KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan says it will not team up with any peninsula-based parties in the upcoming Sabah elections.
Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman said its stand is clear and consistent, and shot down claims in a newspaper article that it planned to merge with parties from Peninsular Malaysia.
"I would like to correct this statement to avoid confusion among the people of Sabah.
"Warisan is currently part of the Unity Government at the federal level.
"(However) Warisan president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, has repeatedly emphasised that if Warisan were to make a choice, our priority would be to collaborate with local Sabah parties.
"However, this collaboration would only happen if there are local parties bold and steadfast enough to ensure that the axis of power is fully returned to Sabah parties without being subservient to or controlled by national parties or individuals with vested interests," he said in a statement.
On political collaboration, he said Warisan's top leadership trusts Mohd Shafie in making decisions, especially concerning electoral partnerships.
He said if no local parties are "courageous enough to take this stand", Warisan is not afraid to contest solo in the 17th Sabah election.
"We are ready to provide a platform and an alternative for the people of Sabah to ensure that the state is governed entirely by local parties without interference or control from leaders in Peninsular Malaysia."