“I won’t be voting for it, let’s make that clear,” he told reporters outside Parliament here today.

When asked if his stance echoed that of Warisan’s, a newly-registered political outfit with two members of parliament, including Shafie, he said: “Our stand is quite clear, just like Sarawak’s. We have to address the needs and requirements of the people in Sabah.”

Although Barisan Nasional has yet to make a stand on Hadi’s Private Member’s Bill, its Sarawak chapter had repeatedly stated it would not support the motion, which seeks to strengthen the powers of shariah courts to mete out harsher punishments.

Many have claimed that the proposed amendment to the Islamic Act, also known as Act 355, is merely a way for PAS to finally implement the controversial hudud law in Kelantan.

On a separate matter, Shafie revealed that he would be selective when picking Sabah-based Opposition parties that Warisan would be working with.

He said this was due to the fact that some of these parties were deemed to be Barisan Nasional-friendly.

“So do you think it’s wise for us to work with them?”

He, however, expressed willingness to work with any party that shared the common goal of defeating BN in the next general election.

“Our focus is to take over the government. If any quarter is interested in doing the same, then we can sit down and discuss.

“But at the moment, it’s quite difficult to talk about uniting the opposition when we don’t even know our strength yet. We have to go to the ground and see the response first.”

Shafie added that the party’s focus was to work for Sabahans by bringing them much needed change and development.

“We definitely want more autonomy for Sabah, and to stop federal interference in the state administration.

“At the moment, even to catch fish in Semporna, we have to get the licence in Kuala Lumpur. I’ve been in the government for the past 30 years. I know the ins and outs.”