Sabah DAP regrets Warisan's solo GE15 bid

Sabah DAP has expressed regret over Warisan's declaration that the party will be going solo in all seats for the 15th general election.

Sabah DAP chairperson Frankie Poon said DAP and Pakatan Harapan components have consistently urged like-minded opposition parties including Muda and Warisan to form a united front against BN in the upcoming polls.

"It is regrettable to witness Warisan officially declaring that they are going solo into the polls.

"For the past few months, despite Warisan leaders distributing baseless and slandering leaflets attacking DAP and Harapan, we have not closed the door for negotiations and welcome them to come back to the round table.

"However, it is unfortunate that they are distancing themselves from Harapan and potentially causing multi-cornered fights among the opposition camp," Poon said, citing a reported statement by Warisan president Shafie Apdal.

Poon also noted that while Warisan had campaigned against political frogs during the Sabah state election in 2020, the party subsequently took in three defectors from DAP.

He said it was also a heartbreaking moment when Warisan decided to turn against DAP in the last Johor state election and contested five seats previously won by Harapan there in 2018.

"The people are also puzzled on why Warisan started to campaign in seats that have been won by DAP and PKR in Sabah, but Shafie's statement clarifies everything.

"The people will now judge for themselves on who divided the opposition and betrayed their loyal allies," he said, adding that the DAP accepted Warisan's decision and will continue to build a stronger opposition coalition.

Against MOU

In response to DAP, Warisan dismissed the betrayal claims and stressed its rejection of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Harapan and the government last year.

Warisan vice-president Terence Siambun said the party regards signing the MOU as being tantamount to putting a gag order on the opposition in Parliament and it eliminates checks and balances on the government.

The MOU, he claimed, had facilitated excessive spending under the Covid-19 budget supported by Harapan, despite Malaysia being in debt.

"To date, there is still political instability which has only escalated with the election drawing near.

"Was it really necessary to sign that MOU?" he asked.

Addressing the betrayal claims, Terence reminded Poon that during the Sabah election in 2020, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim was said to have been gathering statutory declarations from Umno and Bersatu in an attempt to get a "strong, formidable, convincing" majority to secure the post of prime minister.

Terence said at the time Warisan as a Harapan ally was fighting Bersatu and Umno in Sabah.

"DAP was fully aware of what was happening and has been consistently supporting Anwar in his bid (for prime minister).

"Yet, Warisan is accused of betrayal when the party gave its utmost to make sure victory for the then Warisan Plus that consisted of Warisan, Upko and Harapan. Who betrayed who?" he added.

Without a solid foundation built on trust, Terence said Warisan decided to break ties with Harapan.

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