Warisan conveys condolences to Catholics over Pope Francis's passing
Its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the pope has been known for being a religious leader who promotes a message of peace, unity and harmony, especially in nations of conflict.
'In times where the world is becoming more overwhelmed with social, economic and political conflicts that threaten the lives of those of lower and medium income, Pope Francis stood firm in bringing his message of tolerance,' he said in a statement.
'I would also like to convey my deepest condolences to the Catholic community in Malaysia, specifically Sabah and Sarawak,' he added.
Shafie hopes the pope's legacy of promoting peace and tolerance will be continued by future generations.
All Catholic churches in Sabah are expected to hold special masses over Pope Francis' death, but the dates have yet to be set.
In Rome, a nine-day official mourning period called the Novendiales is observed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Borneo Post
People's priorities main focus of Warisan, says Shafie
Shafie (right) speaking to Chris at his residence in Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 18): Parti Warisan (Warisan) will contest the upcoming state elections on its own, with the people's priorities as its main focus, said its president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. Responding to analyst reports predicting no single party will secure a majority, Shafie said Warisan has been an opposition party in Sabah for six years, and the priority is ensuring Sabahans decide their own future. 'I cannot make assumptions that if we don't have the numbers, then we have to work with others — we're not driven by greed. 'I'm worried that an election partner would be more concerned about benefits from the seats they win. To me, we need clarity. Let us be the only choice for Sabahans — we must resolve the people's needs now,' he said after receiving a courtesy call from United States Embassy political counsellor Chris Carver at his residence here today. Shafie stressed that Warisan will be selective in fielding candidates to prevent individuals implicated in corruption from further tarnishing Sabah's politics. 'We are not here to please them. We have to win the elections. I already told them that no corrupt practices will be tolerated,' he said. When asked if Warisan, as the main local party, would work with other Sabah-based parties, Shafie emphasised that trust and consistency are crucial. He revealed that a leader of a component party in a local coalition had told him they would leave the coalition last year, yet remained in it. 'This shows inconsistency. If they don't get the seats or arrangements they want, they will pull out. This means they are still thinking of themselves instead of the people, who still face water and electricity problems. 'Warisan was set up to fight for Sabah's rights, not to be YBs. We want proper leaders,' he said. Although not discounting potential cooperation with local parties, Shafie stressed that Warisan's focus is to work directly with the people to drive transformative change. On candidates, he said there are three to five potential individuals for each constituency, and all profiles are being scrutinised carefully. 'First, we have to win. Second, once they become YBs, they must serve their people. The people's voice must be the priority,' he said. Shafie's meeting with Chris also touched on Sabah's economy, well-being and opportunities for international partnerships. 'Interestingly, we also talked about women's football, which is very popular in Sabah. Many Malaysian national team players are Sabahans, showing our strength and passion for the game,' he said. He added that the US Embassy's recent soccer clinic in Sabah highlighted the potential for youth development and sports exchanges. 'It's always encouraging when Sabah is recognised not just for our resources, but for our people and their talents,' said Shafie.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Shafie: Warisan must not capitalise on Zara Qairina's death, doing so would be insensitive and disrespectful
KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 — Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has today stressed that the death of schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir should not be turned into a political tool, and that the focus must remain on accountability and justice for the victim's family. The Sabah opposition leader said that no parties, including Warisan should capitalise on the tragedy, and said that any attempts to exploit public anger would be insensitive and seen as disrespectful to the victim and her family. 'I don't want to capitalise on this. There is a mourning family now,' he said, adding that he hoped no Warisan representative would think of it. Instead, Shafie, who is also Semporna MP, urged authorities to prioritise swift investigations and ensure justice is delivered. 'To me, the important thing now is to follow the process. Investigate and take action on those responsible. Hold them accountable. And do not delay it. I've been highlighting in Parliament, justice delayed is justice denied,' he said. The Senallang assemblyman said that although he had no intention of politicising it, he had highlighted it in Parliament as a platform to push for better protection in schools where they were under the care of public authorities. He questioned why action was delayed despite evidence being available, and called on those in positions of authority not to take the matter lightly. 'Now that we know there are elements of bullying, sexual harassment and negligence, it's been made clear. But the question is… who did that? That is the important part. Take them to the court. 'The people in authority should have done it earlier. Don't take lightly… Why delay? You have the documents, use it,' he said. The Coroner's Court in Kota Kinabalu today fixed September 3 for the start of the inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir to determine any criminal elements. The death of the 13-year-old SMKA Tun Mustapha student in Papar, Sabah after an alleged bullying incident has sparked public outrage nationwide and renewed calls for safer schools. Zara Qairina was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17 after being found severely injured and unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar at 4am on July 16.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Warisan candidates must sign contract to prevent defections
Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (second right) welcoming a new member into the party at a gathering in Kudat on Sunday (Aug 17). KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan will require all of its election candidates to sign a binding contract to ensure seats won under the party remain with the party, says its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. 'If a representative wins on Warisan's ticket, the seat stays with Warisan,' he told reporters at a gathering with some 2,500 people in Kudat town on Sunday (Aug 17). Shafie cited the court ruling involving former PKR minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, who was ordered to pay compensation for leaving her party, saying this should serve as a precedent. Shafie also confirmed Warisan would defend its seat in Tanjung Kapur and field candidates in the other 72 state constituencies. Regarding development, he disclosed plans to allocate 600ha in Kudat for a new port facility that would include ship maintenance, shipbuilding, and fuel supply services. Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (fourth right) receiving membership forms from former Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah and Sabah STAR members at a gathering in Kudat on Sunday (Aug 17). He also reaffirmed his call for a railway system. On education, Shafie said Warisan was considering replacing student loans with scholarships and said that the state's student loan burden was likely below RM1bil. 'We must produce job creators, not just job seekers,' he said. Shafie reiterated that Warisan remained a Sabah-based party despite claims otherwise, saying its struggle was rooted in the needs and aspirations of Sabahans.
