Don't forsake stability for personal ambition, PKR leader tells 'ally' Warisan

Summary

• PKR communications director Lee Chean Chung criticises Warisan president Shafie Apdal over the latter party’s decision to contest solo in the upcoming Sabah polls.

• He reminds Shafie that a Warisan MP is serving as a deputy minister in the current federal cabinet.

• Lee also claims that Shafie’s unclear stand will affect Sabah’s long-term development plans.

Don’t let personal ambitions supersede Sabah’s stability and development needs, a PKR leader told Warisan president Shafie Apdal today.

This comes after Shafie announced recently that his party would stand alone in the next Sabah state election.

PKR communications director Lee Chean Chung said while the coalition government respects Warisan’s democratic right to chart its own political course, Shafie must be clear on his party’s position in the government.

“Are they planning to leave the coalition government or play a double role where they enjoy government resources while acting as an opposition?

“Any party that has no clear stand will lose public trust. So, I urge Warisan leaders to reconsider their decision and prioritise Sabah’s prosperity,” Lee said in a statement.

On March 9, Shafie announced that Warisan would not join pre-election pacts with any coalition.

“We declare that there has never been any discussion or decision to join any party.

“We offer our capabilities; perhaps we do not have much money, but we are the leaders of the people of Sabah here, regardless of race - whether Kadazandusun Murut, Brunei, Kedayan, Bajau - everyone is here,” said the Senallang assemblyperson after a breaking fast event in Tungku, Lahad Datu.

‘Disappointing’

Unimpressed, Lee reminded Shafie that Warisan MP Yusof Apdal serves as a deputy minister in the current federal cabinet.

“If Warisan really wants to go solo in the state polls, should the party’s members holding positions at the federal level resign for the sake of consistency towards their political stand?” the Petaling Jaya MP asked.

Lee then described Shafie’s decision as disappointing to the coalition government as Sabahans wanted economic stability instead of incessant politicking.

“The state is now enjoying much-needed political stability, which is bringing job opportunities, gaining foreign investors’ confidence, and stable electricity supply.

“Warisan’s unclear stand will only affect Sabah’s long-term development plans,” he claimed.

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