It seems Warisan leaders are facing a surge in politically motivated attacks as the Sabah election draws near in recent months.
Troll armies and political militants have stepped up online disinformation campaigns, while vandalism and intimidation tactics are also being employed.
Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking is the latest victim.
A fake Facebook post falsely claimed he had resigned from Warisan to become an independent assemblyman for Moyog.
Leiking swiftly debunked it, posting a screenshot labeled “Fake Post” and “Kerja Palui”—a local term for “foolish work.”
“This is an invasion of my Facebook page,” he said. “The more I criticize corruption, the more they attack.”
The attacks follow his criticism of the Sabah mining corruption scandal, which has put the GRS administration under scrutiny.
Vandalism and disinformation campaigns intensify
Warisan’s Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong Ket Kiun has also been targeted.
His banners were slashed, covered, and defaced with red paint—marking the third incident in three weeks.
Chong condemned the vandalism as a cowardly act of political intimidation.
“I will not be distracted by petty political games,” he said, urging police to act.
Meanwhile, Warisan’s legal adviser Chin Tek Ming has lodged a police report over defamatory social media posts.
The posts contained doctored images and false claims about his political motives and personal life.
Chin believes the attacks are linked to his involvement in a controversial mineral prospecting case.
He has called for authorities to investigate and take action against those spreading misinformation.
Sabah election looms as tensions rise
With the state election due this year, political attacks—both online and offline—are expected to escalate further.
Troll armies and political militants are ramping up their efforts to discredit Warisan members, fueling concerns over the use of disinformation and intimidation tactics.
These attacks have become more pronounced following the Sabah mining corruption scandal broke late last year.
Leiking is the latest victim—but he may not be the last. — Feb 17, 2025
