Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua said the party considered the allegations extreme political slander to damage the reputation of the party and its leaders.

He said the party would not hesitate to take legal action against those who connect Warisan with illegal activities or syndicates.

“Warisan regrets that there is still a small group of irresponsible parties trying to link this case with Warisan, as has been disseminated through WhatsApp,” he said in a statement.

He was referring to the recent arrest in Sabah of a drug syndicate leader with a “Datuk” title, alongside 10 other men, on suspicion of involvement in the state’s biggest drug trafficking syndicate.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay yesterday said the suspects, aged between 36 and 48, were arrested in a special operation at 2.30am on Monday.

A message then went viral on WhatsApp claiming that the “Datuk” had ties with Warisan leaders and was even involved in giving funds to the party.

Loretto said Warisan welcomed the police and Eastern Sabah Security Command’s success in arresting the suspects and said that those suspected of being involved must be investigated and charged.