Lee said Warisan president Shafie Apdal’s announcement on the matter has disappointed the unity government, as the people of Sabah seek economic stability, job opportunities, reliable electricity supply, increased foreign investment and tourism instead of continued political turmoil.

“I urge Warisan to carefully reconsider its decision and prioritise the well-being of Sabah’s people. Political interests must not come at the expense of Sabah’s stability and development,” he said in a statement.

Lee said that Sabah had only recently attained hard-won political stability, and Warisan’s ambiguous and wavering stance risks undermining the state’s long-term progress.

Any party that lacks a clear stance will ultimately lose the trust of the people, he warned.

Shafie’s announcement follows Sabah Barisan Nasional’s decision to uphold its alliance with Pakatan Harapan counterparts in the coming state elections.

In March last year, Shafie had claimed that Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin had agreed to an alliance to take on the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, led by Hajiji Noor.

Bung’s presence at the Warisan general assembly had fuelled speculation of a formal pact between Sabah Umno and Warisan.

However, Sabah Umno said last month it had not held official discussions with Warisan regarding cooperation in the elections.

Lee also pointed out that Warisan’s Lahad Datu MP Yusof Apdal, is deputy science, technology and innovation minister at the federal level.

“If Warisan truly intends to contest solo, should its members holding federal government positions resign to maintain consistency in their political stance?

“Warisan must make its position clear – do they wish to remain part of the unity government, or will they withdraw and become the opposition before the state elections?” asked the Petaling Jaya MP.

Lee stressed that the unity government respects the democratic process and Warisan has the right to determine its political direction, including contesting independently.

“However, before making a final decision, Warisan must provide a transparent and accountable explanation to the people – are they choosing to exit the unity government, or will they continue to benefit from government resources while acting like the opposition?”