Shafie: Bersatu issue won’t affect Warisan
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) entry into Sabah will not deter Parti Warisan Sabah from working with the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, said Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said although Bersatu had breached the agreement it had with Warisan in the 14th General Election, Warisan would maintain its cooperation with PH to safeguard the interests of Sabahans.
“We can’t stop them (Bersatu), or any other party for that matter (from entering Sabah). Our laws allow for new parties to be formed.
“We are, however, clear with our party’s stand and direction. We have worked with PH before and after the elections, we formed the federal government together.
“We will continue to work with them.”
The chief minister said this after attending a National Sovereignty Medal presentation for police personnel, who were involved in Op Daulat in 2013, at the state assembly building here yesterday.
Shafie urged Warisan members not to get emotional over Bersatu’s plan to enter Sabah, adding that he was aware of their feelings.
He, however, said Warisan needed to remain focused on developing the state for the benefit of Sabahans.
He said Warisan would focus on governing Sabah to the best of its ability and ensuring the reinstatement of the rights of Sabahans under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“The people of Sabah have given Warisan the mandate to govern Sabah in GE14.
“They were fed up with the Umno-Barisan Nasional government and wanted a change for the better. We respect that mandate and will do our level best to govern the state. We will do what Sabahans want us to do in terms of development and providing jobs. This was promised (by us) and we will ensure these promises are delivered.”
To a question whether he had met with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently, he responded in the negative.