RM10 million lawsuit for Warisan defectors, warns Shafie

Borneo Post

14 hours ago

Shafie listens attentively to one of the fire victims temporarily houed at Dewan Sri Putatan.
PUTATAN (June 17): Warisan President Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal has issued a stern warning that any candidate fielded by the party in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election who defects will face a RM10 million lawsuit.
'If anyone defects, I will haul them to court and sue them for RM10 million,' said Shafie. 'In this coming election, any candidate I field — if they act against the party or the law — I will take legal action. This is important for us.'
Speaking to the media during a visit to the Kampung Petagas and Jalan Bukit Vor fire victims currently housed at Dewan Sri Putatan on Tuesday, Shafie said the party is fully prepared in line with the Anti-Hopping Law passed in 2022.
He expressed confidence that Warisan could reclaim the Petagas seat in the upcoming polls. 'We know this area is winnable … but we cannot be complacent or overconfident,' he said.
Warisan previously secured the Petagas constituency during the 2020 Sabah state election. However, in February 2023, its assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Awang Sahari left the party to join Gagasan Rakyat.
Shafie emphasized the importance of strong, principled candidates and noted that while party machinery plays a role, integrity and leadership matter more.
He also highlighted a significant demographic shift: 65 percent of voters now consist of youth, as those aged 18 and above are automatically eligible to vote.
'It is crucial to understand their preferences and the trends they follow. They're not just interested in politics — they want real change. They don't want party-hoppers,' he stressed.
While acknowledging that many have shown interest in contesting, Shafie reminded that the election is not just about popularity but about regaining the mandate to govern.
'If we don't adopt the mindset that the people need genuine leadership, Sabah will continue to face many problems,' he warned.
Shafie expressed frustration over Sabah's persistent issues, including corruption and water supply failures.
'The money is there — but where has it gone?' he asked.
He called for visionary leadership that can deliver real solutions. 'We must listen to the people — not just ourselves. If we only hear our own voices, we're the only ones who feel satisfied.'
'I'm not a millionaire, but I believe leadership is what we need to lift Sabah out of poverty and help the oppressed in this resource-rich state.'
When asked if Warisan would contest all 73 state seats, Shafie said: 'We are with the people. We will assess the situation. I will make the announcement at the right time, depending on the political climate.'
'What matters most is that we regain the power,' he said.
Regarding the timing of the state assembly's dissolution, he said it is not his concern. 'That's up to the Chief Minister. I don't want to listen to when he'll dissolve (the government) — yesterday, last month — I don't care. What I'm doing is preparing. Don't wait for the rain to come.'
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor recently hinted that an announcement could follow the Gagasan Rakyat General Assembly at the end of July.