FORMER Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Liew Vui Kong has joined Parti Warisan Sabah, ending weeks of speculation on the former deputy minister’s future in politics.

Warisan secretary Loretto Padua Jr confirmed that Liew and 200 members from LDP have defected from Barisan Nasional (BN) to Warisan.

“Liew has been given several roles in Warisan. One of it is to assist in the party’s education policy formulation along with vice-president Junz Wong,” he told The Malaysian Insight in Kota Kinabalu today.

Liew was elected as Sandakan MP in 2008 but lost the seat to DAP’s Stephen Wong in the 13th general election.

He was also a deputy minister under then prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Liew was LDP president from 2006 to 2014 but was removed in a dramatic internal coup.

LDP joined BN as component party in 1991.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal said Liew will be a great addition to Warisan as he still has experience and influence as a former BN leader.

“He (Liew) met me and expressed his intention to join Warisan. He did not set any conditions, not even as a candidate or division leader.

“But I see him as the former leader of LDP. And with his experience, we have given him the position of permanent chairman while his deputy, former state education director Hasbullah Taha, is chairman.

“We also know that Liew, which did not win in the last election, still has influence and support, especially from the Chinese communities. This will be a great addition for Warisan,” said Shafie, adding that he has more roles for Liew but will reveal it in due course.

Shafie was met during Warisan’s roadshow campaign in Sepanggar. – March 18, 2018.