KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan is now only left with Umno to forge possible cooperation for the upcoming state election, says its president, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said that he had approached local-based party leaders such as Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (Parti Bersatu Sabah), Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku), and Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) to work together.
"Unfortunately, they don't want to see it (forming Sabah-based parties). I invited them to come to my house (to discuss possible cooperation). But it is up to them, we cannot force them.
"The most important thing is the unity of Sabah people. If Sabah people can unite, they can decide which (party) or leadership can form the government," he said during a press conference after launching the party's annual general meeting at Hakka Hall here.
Commenting on possible cooperation with Umno, the Senallang assemblyman said there is no issue about working with Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
"Bung is from Kinabatangan. Although Bung is from the Peninsular Malaysia-based Umno party, he is vocal in fighting for the people of Sabah. This is more important for me.
"In the end, a party in Sabah (that wins the state election) still has to work with a Kuala Lumpur party.
"Why did they (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) work with (peninsular-based Parti Pribumi) Bersatu (Malaysia) in the past and is now working with PAS (appointed) assemblyman? Why can't Warisan work with Umno?
"However, the interest (should be) not much on Warisan-Umno but for Sabahans and the region of Sabah," he said, adding that the grassroots community has been receptive to both parties working together.
On the preparations for the upcoming state election, Mohd Shafie said they were ready and have identified potential candidates that could change the current government.
Apart from the presence of Bung, the event also saw representatives from Sabah Muda.