He said what is important for Warisan was having winnable candidates who had the support of the voters and the people.

While not denying the importance of a candidate holding a party post, the Semporna MP said it must be understood that the one contesting in GE15 is the party and those fielded to contest must be able to ensure victory for the party.

Shafie said Warisan had already identified some individuals with the potential to be fielded as its candidates but did not disclose the number of seats to be contested by the party in GE15.

“And holding the post of division chief, deputy chief or Supreme Council member does not necessarily guarantee that a person will be automatically fielded as candidates.

“No. It’s just the same in other parties,” he told a press conference after opening Warisan’s annual general assembly 2021 here today.

When asked about the possibility that GE15 would be held after the tabling of the 2023 budget on Oct 7, Shafie said it was not an issue for Warisan as the party was prepared to face the election at any time.

“Our annual general assembly today is also part of our preparation to face GE15.

“I am confident that our divisional leaders are also prepared and have always gone to the ground to meet the people,” he said.