Asked about the progress of seat negotiations between Warisan and Sabah Pakatan Harapan parties – PKR, DAP and Amanah – Shafie would only say that the party was focused on defeating Barisan Nasional and taking over the state government.
“So, it’s not a matter of who gets what. Warisan’s priority is in ensuring that the ‘right’ candidate is fielded in every seat,” Shafie said after a walkabout at the Foh Sang commercial area in Luyang in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.
He was accompanied on the walkabout by Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Christina Liew.
Liew said she agreed with Shafie that it was important to choose the right candidate for any seat.
Previously, Liew had been reported as saying that a seat deal between PH and Warisan would likely come down to the wire and be finalised just before nomination day for the next general election (GE14).
Warisan leaders, including its deputy president Darell Leiking, had questioned Sabah DAP chairman Stephen Wong’s statement over a formula dividing the state seats between them.
Wong had said that Warisan should contest in 60% of the 60 state seats with PH taking the remaining 40%.
Sabah DAP officials including the party’s adviser Jimmy Wong subsequently explained that Stephen’s remarks were only a suggestion.
Meanwhile, when asked about certain leaders still questioning his ancestry, Shafie, a native of the east coast district of Semporna where he is MP, said: “I am proud to be born a Sabahan.”
“My great-grandfather is buried in Semporna. I can show anyone his grave. But I want those who question my ancestry to tell me whether they know where the grave of their great-grandfather is located,” he said.
On the walkabout, he said many people told him personally they wanted a change of government.
“They have been receptive to us and they tell us that they want a change.
“It is up to us to do what we can to make that change happen,” Shafie said.
Sabah PH scrambles to decide on seats before Muhyiddin visit