BERSATU’S entry into Sabah will not replace the state-based Warisan but instead strengthen the party and Pakatan Harapan in the state, said Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

He also thanked Warisan president and Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal for welcoming Bersatu into the Borneo state.

“I want to thank him (Shafie) for not stopping us… it is our right to be in Sabah.

“We are not there as a threat to Warisan. Instead, we want to reinforce Pakatan and strengthen the Warisan government,” Muhyiddin said today after a meet-and-greet with Semenyih voters at a stall in Beranang today.

The home minister also said that potential members were being screened as applications to join Bersatu have begun piling up.

“We have started checking the background of some leaders who have stated their readiness to become Bersatu members. These are former Umno MPs, state assemblymen and division leaders,” he said.

Muhyiddin also addressed PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s advice to the two parties to communicate to curb tension or misunderstanding.

He said that the coalition had already discussed and was amenable to it.

“We have discussed (it) within PH and it’s okay. There are no arguments about this because this is not something new.  

“What’s important is that we are committed to working closely. That is our promise.”

Party chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad had announced on Friday that Bersatu intended to form a state chapter in Sabah to strengthen Warisan, not rival it.

While Bersatu’s move has raised concerns from various quarters, Shafie earlier today gave his nod to the peninsular-based party and reiterated plans to work closely with it.

“We worked with PH before and after (GE14), formed the federal government together and we will continue to work with them in the best interest of the people,” he had said. – February 18, 2019.