PENAMPANG: Local parties must align their struggles with the needs of the people, said Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor mentioned that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government would likely continue working with Pakatan Harapan.
This means Sabah is unlikely to follow Sarawak's model, which is governed solely by local-based parties.
However, Shafie said the focus should not solely be on the notion of local parties without considering their effectiveness in addressing the people's needs.
"It's not about a local party alone. There are many local parties, but sometimes local parties don't hear the voice of Sabah.
"It is not only about being the people's voice. It's not about seeking a name for oneself. We don't want local parties whose actions cannot achieve what is desired by the people of Sabah," he told the media after the party's mooncake festival event at a restaurant here last night.
When asked whether Warisan would feel intimidated by the potential collaboration among GRS, PH, and Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election, the former Chief Minister pointed out that the party had previously fought on its own.
He added that Warisan had garnered significant support in previous elections, winning nearly 29 seats in 2018 and more than 20 seats in the subsequent election.
"We have power too. Sabahans have voted for Warisan as a vehicle to realise their dreams and hopes. We have a plan to ensure we can best develop Sabah."