KOTA KINABALU: Warisan Plus – the political coalition led by Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) – today announced its candidates for the state election on Sept 26, with the exception of component party PKR.
Warisan chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal explained that Sabah PKR, led by Datuk Christina Liew, will announce its candidates separately.
Despite reports that Sabah PKR had requested 14 state seats, today's Warisan Plus candidate announcement leaves the party with just seven out of 73 seats up for grabs.
Sabah PKR had previously announced that it will campaign using its own logo, while today, Sabah DAP and Amanah affirmed that they will campaign under Warisan's logo.
"However, as (coalition member) Upko is a local-based party, it will use its own logo for the election," Mohd Shafie said during the announcement at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
The caretaker Chief Minister, who is defending his Senallang state seat, announced 46 seats to be contested by Warisan.
The party's deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking, who is also Penampang Member of Parliament, will vie for the Moyog state seat.
Sabah caretaker ministers Datuk Junz Wong, Datuk Peter Anthony and Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob are also defending their state seats, which are Tanjung Aru, Melalap and Sindumin, respectively.
The alliance has allocated 12 state seats to its partner Upko, including two-newly gazetted ones: Bengkoka and Telupid.
Upko president Datuk Seri Dr Wilfred Madius Tangau will vie for the Kiulu state seat, while incumbent Datuk Ewon Benedick will defend his Kadamaian state seat.
Sabah DAP will contest seven state seats, with most of the candidates defending their current constituencies, including its chief Datuk Frankie Poon (Tanjong Kapor); Ginger Phoong (Luyang); Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan); Tan Lee Fatt (Likas); and Calvin Chong (Elopura):
The remaining seats will be fought over by Justin Wong (Sri Tanjung) and Odom @ Peter Dhoms Saili (Bingkor).
Amanah will contest the Tanjung Keramat state seat.
Earlier during the launch, Mohd Shafie said that the purpose of getting into politics is to serve the people.
"People should not think that becoming a candidate is about having big houses and cars, but it is more to serving the people.
"If we are able to change the lives of the people (for the better), then one may be retained as elected representatives," he said.
Mohd Shafie also reminded alliance members, especially those who were snubbed as candidates, to keep on supporting fellow members.
He said it is not about the candidates, but about getting back the mandate which will eventually benefit everyone.