PARTI Warisan Sabah will not stop Bersatu from entering Sabah, said Shafie Apdal today. 

The Warisan president said the party will continue to work with Pakatan Harapan, as it did in the 14th general election last year. 

“With regard to the entry of Bersatu into Sabah. We cannot stop them, or any other party for that matter. Our laws also allow for new parties to be formed.

“We are, however, clear with our party stand and direction.

“We have worked with PH before and after the polls, formed the federal government together, and we will continue to work with them for the best interest of the people,” Sabah’s chief minister told reporters when asked on his party’s stand concerning Bersatu’s entry into Sabah.

Earlier, Shafie attended the presentation of state awards to 900 police officers who had served during the Tanduo incursion six years ago.

Three days ago, Bersatu chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced plans to bring Bersatu to Sabah, despite having a verbal agreement with Shafie not to do so.

Shafie today appealed to Warisan supporters to stay calm even if they were unhappy with the situation.

“I am aware of the feelings of our supporters and also the people in Sabah over the Bersatu decision.

“My advice is not be emotional and remain focused to develop Sabah for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Shafie said the Warisan-PH-Upko partnership was given the mandate to form the state government after GE14 because most Sabahans were fed up with the Umno-Barisan Nasional rule and wanted change.

He said the ruling parties led by Warisan will continue to respect their mandate and govern Sabah to the best of their abilities, especially ensuring state rights as per Malaysia Agreement 1963 to be reinstated.

Asked whether he would speak with the Bersatu chairman, Shafie said, “no”.

Nine state assemblymen and five MPs led by former Umno liaison chief Hajiji Mohd Noor left Umno last year and applied to join Bersatu.

Their memberships have yet to be approved.

Warisan’s stand on Bersatu could pave the way for the former Umno leaders to work with Shafie.

If this happens, Warisan and its partners in government, DAP, PKR, Upko, will control 55 state seats, leaving Sabah’s oppostion with only nine seats.

The nine are six from Parti Bersatu Sabah, two from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and one from Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.  

But Hajiji is currently working with Sabah opposition pact, Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS).

If the former Umno lawmakers join Bersatu but continue their allegiance with GBS, the oppposition will have 18 seats in the assembly. – February 18, 2019.