Kepayan STAR chairman Bernard Logijin said it appeared that both parties were cooperating again, as they had in the Kinabalu Move, to try and form the next state government, Daily Express reported.

His comments come after Barisan Nasional, which includes Sabah Umno, left out contenders for Senallang and Sulabaya when announcing its candidates for the polls.

Senallang and Sulabaya are currently held by Warisan’s Shafie Apdal and Jaujan Sandukong. They fall under the Semporna parliamentary seat, also represented by Shafie.

Former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang was previously reported as saying that the move pointed to a strategic partnership and the continuation of the Kinabalu Move.

The Kinabalu Move refers to a 2023 attempt led by Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin to oust Hajiji Noor as Sabah chief minister. Warisan, led by its president Shafie, reportedly collaborated with Sabah Umno to replace the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government.

Logijin also criticised Warisan’s recent claims of going solo with a Sabah-only coalition, describing them as “empty political talk” designed to win votes.

He urged voters not to be swayed by the two parties, advising them to support local candidates who genuinely fight for the rights and interests of Sabahans.

“Kinabalu Move 1.0 failed. I believe 2.0 will face the same fate because voters are more mature, wiser and brave enough to make a significant change to safeguard themselves and the future generations’ interests and rights,” he was quoted as saying.