Sabah’s political independence is back in the spotlight after PKR took a swipe at Warisan, questioning whether its decision to contest the state election solo means it’s backing out of the federal unity government.
PKR Communication Director Lee Chean Chung didn’t hold back, calling out Warisan’s move as a “trust issue” and demanding the party clarify its position.
With one of its MPs, Mohammad Yusof Apdal, still holding a deputy minister post, Lee questioned if Warisan was trying to have it both ways—opposing the state government while still enjoying federal perks.
“Warisan must come clean—are they staying in the unity government, walking away to be full opposition, or playing both sides?” Lee said in a statement.
His words come after Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal declared over the weekend that the party was going solo in the Sabah election, shutting down talk of alliances.
Shafie also doubled down on Warisan’s multiracial stance, insisting it represents all Sabahans.
Lee wasn’t impressed, warning that Warisan’s ambiguous positioning could cost them public trust.
“This move has disappointed the unity government because Sabahans want stability, jobs, steady electricity, and foreign investment—not endless political games,” he said.
Warisan fires back – “we’ve been loyal”
Information Chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman came out swinging, dismissing Lee’s claims and reminding everyone that Warisan has supported Anwar Ibrahim since the Sheraton Move—long before the current unity government even existed.
“Warisan never wavered in its support for Anwar. Even when the government changed hands, we stood by him,” Azis said.
He also made it clear that Warisan had been upfront about its stance—Shafie had already informed Anwar and the unity government that Warisan would stay as the opposition in Sabah to maintain checks and balances.
“Warisan isn’t the type to stab allies in the back. When PH chose to team up with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to form the state government, we stuck to our principles. So why the sudden surprise?” Azis said.
He then turned the tables on PH, questioning why it’s okay for them to be in opposition in Sarawak but not for Warisan to take the same stance in Sabah.
“If PH can fight GPS in Sarawak while still being in the unity government, why is Warisan being singled out for going solo in Sabah?” he asked.
Azis also didn’t hold back on calling out PH’s alleged double standards, pointing out that when Barisan Nasional withdrew support from GRS, PH chose to align with GRS rather than stand with Warisan.
“So really, who abandoned who?” he shot back.
PKR’s counterstrike – “Warisan walked away first”
PKR Deputy Information Chief Razeef Rakimin wasn’t about to let Azis have the last word.
He fired back, accusing Warisan of being the first to break ties with PH when they decided to contest in the 15th General Election solo.
“Azis got it wrong—Warisan left PH first. They went solo in PRU-15 and even PRN Johor, where all their candidates lost their deposits,” Razeef said.
He argued that Warisan was overconfident, thinking it could win more seats without PH.
Instead, it flopped, securing only three parliamentary seats and losing five, including the ones held by Azis and Warisan’s deputy president, Darell Leiking.
“Warisan can’t act like PH abandoned them when they were the ones who pulled away first.
“Shafie himself has made it clear that Warisan will go against PH in Sabah’s election. No wonder people are questioning their loyalty,” he said.
Razeef then threw another punch, accusing Warisan of attempting to topple the Sabah state government through “Langkah Kinabalu”—a failed political coup.
“PH had chosen stability over chaos. Instead of jumping into Warisan’s political maneuvers, we focused on keeping the government steady to rebuild Sabah’s post-pandemic economy,” he said.
Sabah’s political autonomy under fire
At the core of this battle lies a bigger issue—Sabah’s fight for political independence. For decades, national parties have tried to steer the state’s politics, despite growing calls for Sabahans to take charge of their own future.
To many in Sabah, this latest spat feels all too familiar—another attempt by federal politicians to dictate the state’s affairs from afar.
Warisan’s move may be controversial, but for its supporters, it’s about self-determination. – March 12, 2025
The only alliance will make is with the people, says Shafie
