WARISAN is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with UMNO to explore the potential for collaboration in the upcoming Sabah state election, which is scheduled to take place by December 2025.
Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman stated that the party is currently evaluating various possible partnerships with different political groups as part of their preparations for the next election.
“As of now, we are in communication with UMNO to see if there are any mutual agreements and understandings (that can be reached) between our two parties to face GRS,” Free Malaysia Today (FMT) quoted him as saying.
The discussions with UMNO are focused on identifying areas of mutual agreement and understanding between the two parties, particularly in facing the GRS coalition.
However, Azis emphasized that these talks are still in the early stages, and both Warisan and UMNO will make an official announcement regarding any collaboration closer to the state election.
The former Sepanggar MP further elaborated that Warisan is currently content with its role as the opposition in Sabah, as it serves to provide checks and balances on the GRS-led state administration. At the federal level, Warisan expressed its support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to lead the government.
Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor highlighted on Aug 17 that the coalition government’s intention to adopt a “unity government” approach in the forthcoming state polls, according to FMT.
This approach aims to foster unity among coalition partners, including Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional (BN) with the shared goal of advancing Sabah’s development and the well-being of its people.
In January, speculation was rife that the Sabah government would collapse after rumours surfaced that Sabah BN led by then deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was in advanced talks with Warisan to unseat Hajiji.
But the move backfired after six of Sabah Umno’s assemblymen refused to pledge their support to topple the state government.
However, these efforts did not materialise due to a lack of support from six of Sabah UMNO assemblymen.
In the meantime, Warisan is focusing on strengthening its organisational resources and readiness for a possible snap state election.
“We are doing our state tour to help our party members understand our objectives, explain current issues, register new members and so on, so that we are better prepared for a possible snap election,” said Azis. – Aug 24, 2023
