TAWAU, Nov 5 — Parti Warisan (WARISAN) Deputy President Datuk Darell Leiking has dismissed claims that the party’s leadership is defined by regional or ethnic lines, stressing that its struggle is built on unity and inclusivity under the spirit of Sabahanisation.
Speaking during the DSSA Inspiration Tour in Kukusan last night, Darell said WARISAN has, since its founding in 2016, fought for the collective interests of Sabahans rather than the narrow politics of districts or origins.
“WARISAN is not about Sempornanisation or Penampanganisation as some have alleged. We do not choose leaders based on where they come from or the postcode on their identity card,” he said.
“Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal may be from Semporna and I from Penampang, but our responsibility is to every Sabahan. We fight for Sabah as one, not for our own districts.”
Darell said the party rejects divisive politics that exploit regional identity, describing such tactics as a deliberate strategy by opponents to fracture Sabah’s social fabric.
“When they cannot answer the real issues raised by our president, they play on regional sentiment. Their goal is to break our unity and erode public trust in WARISAN,” he said.
He emphasised that WARISAN’s leadership includes representatives from across Sabah — the east coast, west coast and interior — reflecting the state’s multicultural reality.
“WARISAN is a party for everyone, regardless of race, religion or background. That is what Sabahanisation truly means — bringing people together for the future of our state,” he said.
Citing lessons from the Chinese classic The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Darell warned that division only benefits rivals.
“When we are divided, our enemies gain the upper hand. That is why we must stay united under the banner of Sabahanisation,” he said.
He reiterated that WARISAN’s mission is to build a progressive, inclusive, and united Sabah, free from the politics of race and region.
“We reject politics that divide. We stand for politics that unite. WARISAN will continue to fight for a Sabah that belongs to everyone,” Darell concluded.