Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has set his sights on reclaiming 11 seats lost to party defections after the 2020 Sabah election, vowing to win them back in the upcoming state polls.
The constituencies that slipped from Warisan’s grasp were Banggi (Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin), Tanjong Kapor (Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin), Kunak (Norazlinah Arif), Karamunting (George Hiew Vun Zin), Petagas (Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari), Kukusan (Datuk Rina Jainal), Sebatik (Hassan A. Gani Pg. Amir), Limbahau (Datuk Juil Nuatim), Melalap (Datuk Peter Anthony), Segama (Datuk Mohammadin Ketapi), and Sindumin (Datuk Yusof Yacob).
Shafie warned against complacency, saying that electoral support is never certain until the ballots are counted.
“People can shout their support, but on election day, they might not stand with us,” he said when met at a function in Papar, where five new party branches were set up for the Kawang state constituency, on Sunday.
He outlined his strategy to regain the lost seats, emphasizing targeted campaigning in areas where local support remains strong.
“Every area we visited gave us assurances, saying, ‘This time, we want to take it back.’ I hope they really mean it,” Shafie said, urging his party members to remain vigilant.
Warisan is currently focused on rebuilding its base in key constituencies like Limbahau, Melalap, Sindumin, Kunak, Tanjung Kapur, and Banggi, which are seen as crucial battlegrounds.
But the party isn’t limiting itself to these areas.
Shafie noted a surprising show of support in Bengkoka, Pitas, where several former Berjaya followers turned up during his visit.
He credited Fauziah Stephens, daughter of the late Tun Fuad Stephens and the acting Kudat Warisan chief, for sparking interest in the party. Fuad is also Sabah’s first chief minister.
Shafie also spoke candidly about the toll of his rigorous campaign schedule.
“Day and night, I am tired. Last night, I returned late, and even my wife said, ‘I am hungry; I need to eat.’ She was waiting for me,” he said. – February 23, 2025
