Warisan: The Sabah-First Powerhouse Ready to Claim the Remaining 56 Seats and Deliver True Autonomy

 

As the "Black Wave" of independent candidates, led by Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda, surges forward with a bold bid for 17 state assembly seats, Sabah's political landscape is buzzing with fresh energy. These independents promise a no-frills approach, prioritizing people over party machines – a sentiment echoing loudly among the 80% of undecided young voters who crave authenticity over endless political maneuvering. But with 73 seats up for grabs in the November 29 election, the real question isn't just about shaking up the status quo; it's about who can deliver stable, Sabah-centric governance for the long haul.

Enter Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) – the unapologetic champion of Sabah's rights, now fully geared up to contest all 73 seats with a finalized slate of battle-tested candidates. While the Black Wave rides a wave of grassroots appeal, Warisan isn't just riding the tide; it's building the dam. For the remaining 56 seats beyond the independents' reach, Warisan stands as the proven alternative: a local party born from Sabah's soil, led by former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, with a track record of fighting for the 40% revenue rights, anti-corruption reforms, and economic self-reliance that have long eluded federal promises.

Why Warisan for the 56?

In a recent telephone call with Datuk Shafie Apdal, he said he will look into my complaint about the Little Napoleons. 

In a fragmented field where no single party is poised for an outright majority – with GRS clinging to power amid scandals, PKR facing backlash over "peninsular interference," and BN recycling old faces – Warisan's strategy is crystal clear: Sabah for Sabahans, by Sabahans. Unlike fleeting independent runs that risk gridlock without a unified vision, Warisan offers:

Proven Local Leadership: 

Shafie Apdal's 2018 victory delivered tangible wins – from upgrading rural infrastructure to boosting tourism revenue without selling out to outsiders. Recent defections from rival parties, including prominent GRS and STAR figures, signal Warisan's magnetic pull as the go-to for disaffected voters. With candidates like Vice-President Junz Wong defending key urban strongholds against DAP challengers, Warisan blends youth, experience, and ethnic inclusivity to appeal across Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Chinese communities.

Youth-Centric Policies That Deliver:

Young voters, skeptical of party platforms, trust individuals who walk the talk. Warisan's manifesto – unveiled last week – targets them head-on: free tertiary education for Sabahans, digital job hubs in every district, and climate-resilient agriculture to combat rising seas in coastal areas like Semporna. No empty slogans; these are funded by clawing back our 40% oil and gas royalties, a fight Shafie has waged relentlessly in Parliament. As one 22-year-old voter in Tawau said: "Independents sound cool, but who builds the roads? Warisan did it before – they'll do it again."

Coalition-Ready Stability:

The Black Wave's 17-seat push could play kingmaker, but in a hung assembly, Warisan's 73-seat ambition positions it as the natural anchor. Analysts predict Warisan could secure 30-35 seats on its own, enough to forge alliances with STAR, SAPP, or even sympathetic independents for a "Sabah Maju Jaya" coalition. This isn't about power grabs; it's about ending the cycle of federal puppeteering. Recent X chatter underscores the sentiment: "Sabah for Sabahans – Warisan will win big against PKR's outsiders."

 

Countering the Wave: Unity Over Fragmentation

Verdon Bahanda's Black Wave deserves credit for injecting independence into a stale system – it's a wake-up call to parties like Warisan to stay sharp. Even if the independents sweep all 17 seats they're targeting, they couldn't form a government on their own in this 73-seat Dewan Undangan Negeri, where a majority of 37 is needed to lead. That's the beauty of Sabah's democracy: it rewards bold challengers without letting fragmentation derail progress. Let's empower the Black Wave with those wins to build a formidable opposition – a vocal check on power that keeps everyone accountable, from Warisan's benches to the federal overlords. But as Bahanda himself noted post-GE15, Sabahans want servants, not saviors. Warisan embodies that: a party of doers, not dividers. While independents excel in niche fights, governing 73 seats demands a machine that can negotiate federal deals, allocate budgets, and unite divided communities. Warisan has the scars from 2020's narrow loss to prove it – and the fire to reclaim victory in 2025.

Call to Action: Your Vote, Your Legacy

With nomination day looming, undecided youth: Don't just like a post – secure your future. Warisan's full candidate list drops Wednesday, but the message is clear: In a sea of independents and interlopers, Warisan is the Sabah ship that won't sink. Head to warisan.com.my to volunteer, donate, or rally your crew. The remaining 56 seats aren't a consolation prize – they're Sabah's ticket to autonomy.

This election isn't about waves crashing; it's about tides turning. Warisan: Ready to lead, ready to win.