Kota kinabalu: Parti Warisan has refuted claims that it sought to “buy” or influence newly elected assemblymen to support the party in establishing the state government after the recent 17th Sabah State Election. Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal stated the party’s commitment has always been rooted in integrity, and leadership must be earned through the trust of the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shafie emphasized that the party appreciates the trust of the people and accepts their responsibility with humility and honor. He reiterated Warisan’s respect for the people’s mandate and the democratic process that underpins the state administration. He assured that Warisan would continue to fulfill its responsibilities with dignity, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to serve Sabah.

Shafie was responding to allegations made by a news portal suggesting that Warisan attempted to persuade state assemblymen to back the party in forming a political coalition to govern Sabah. In the 17th state polls, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) won 29 of the 73 state seats, Warisan secured 25, Barisan Nasional took 6, Independents captured 5, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) garnered 3, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) obtained 2, while Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), and Pakatan Harapan (PH) each won one seat. A simple majority in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly requires 37 seats.