Sabah opposition party Warisan will carefully select candidates for the upcoming state election to avoid potential defections or internal disruptions.

Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, said the party has identified candidates for all 73 state constituencies but will announce its strategy at the appropriate time.

“The time will come to announce how many seats (we are contesting). Our approach must focus on winnable areas. We cannot field candidates who we know can’t win,” he said.

“This is not just about fielding candidates. We don’t want to waste time and effort—our intention is to take over the government.

“We must not only secure formidable numbers, but also avoid situations where elected leaders demand ministerial positions, projects, or posts. If we don’t give in to their demands, they switch sides. It’s very difficult,” he added.

Shafie noted that many individuals have offered themselves as candidates but stressed that Warisan will be selective to ensure stability and loyalty.

He was speaking during his Chinese New Year walkabout at Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, on Sunday.

In the 2020 Sabah snap election, Warisan won 29 seats but saw several assemblymen defect to support the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). The party now has only 17 assemblymen.

Former ally Pakatan Harapan also left Warisan in 2023 to join the GRS-led state government.

Shafie emphasized that elections should focus on choosing a government to develop the state, not serving the interests of individuals or parties.

– January 19, 2025.