KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s opposition Parti Warisan has dismissed claims of an election agreement with Sabah Barisan Nasional, labelling it as speculation ahead of the upcoming state polls.
Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking clarified that no discussions or agreements had occurred between his party and Sabah Barisan regarding state assembly seats.
"I have received numerous calls and WhatsApp messages from journalists, Warisan members, and the public asking whether the claim made by a Facebook page on Feb 13 is true.
"I confirm that no election agreement exists between Warisan and Sabah Barisan, nor with any other political party, as suggested by the post," he stated on Friday (Feb 14).
Leiking further mentioned that the issue had never been raised in Warisan’s Supreme Council or Political Bureau, rejecting claims that the party was considering electoral cooperation.
"This post is nothing more than speculation, which is common as elections approach," he said, referring to the 17th Sabah Election scheduled by September this year.
He also suggested that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor might be seeking Sabah Barisan’s support to maintain power.
"During the 39th Parti Bersatu Sabah Annual General Assembly on Oct 29 last year, Hajiji himself stated that GRS was open to discussions with Sabah Barisan.
"With Sabah Pakatan Harapan already committed to working with GRS, it is not surprising that Hajiji is also seeking Sabah Barisan’s cooperation," he added.
Leiking claimed that GRS' efforts to align with multiple parties were aimed at securing its hold on the state government.
His denial came amid speculation fueled by clickbait sites and misinformation on social media, claiming that the two political parties were planning an electoral pact.
