KOTA BELUD, November 24 — Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal cautioned that Sabah’s surge in multi-cornered contests — with some seats now seeing up to 14 contenders and a record 596 candidates statewide — risks tearing communities and even families apart.
Arguing that what some call “democracy at work” is instead deepening fragmentation, confusing voters, and weakening unity. Speaking while campaigning in Kota Belud, Shafie urged Sabahans to restore cohesion amid rising independents and small parties, warning the situation could escalate to “50 people running for one seat” if left unchecked.
And called for stronger leadership to address long-standing failures in infrastructure, employment and industrial development, while highlighting Warisan’s past efforts in boosting tourism, expanding direct international flights, and initiating local industries aimed at reducing poverty and creating jobs.
