Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has dismissed claims that his party insulted the Istana Negeri, saying the real issue is responsible use of public funds.

He said party leaders Datuk Darell Leiking and Datuk Azis Jamman never disrespected the palace — they only questioned the need to hold an official celebration when Sabahans are facing hardship.

“This is not an attack on the Istana. It’s a legitimate question about whether public funds are being spent in the best interest of the people,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday. 

The Chief Minister had on Friday accused the two Warisan leaders of spreading “falsehoods” with “bad intentions” after they raised concerns about the official birthday celebration for the Head of State Tun Musa Aman.

“Their postings reek of bad intentions,” Hajiji said, adding that the opposition should not drag the Istana into “street politics of lies and deception.”

Hajiji explained that Tun Musa had initially proposed cancelling the event due to its overlap with Hari Raya, but the State Cabinet later agreed to proceed with a scaled-down version in June.

The number of official programmes has been reduced from 12 to seven, and the budget trimmed by 30%.

Shafie noted such decisions should be open to public scrutiny and that asking questions about government spending was part of a functioning democracy.

“If leaders can’t be questioned, especially about how they use public funds, then something is seriously wrong.”

He also cautioned against labelling criticism from the opposition as lies, calling it a sign of insecurity.

“That’s not leadership. That’s insecurity. That’s trying to shut people up.”

Shafie urged the government to prioritise pressing issues like job creation, infrastructure repairs, and essential services.

“When families are tightening their belts, the government should do the same,” he said.

Warisan, he added, will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the people’s right to speak up. – March 30, 2025