15,000 BN members cross over to Warisan

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Loretto and Azis posing with Yusof and new members from Umno and Barisan Nasional. -Bernama photo

LAHAD DATU: About 15,000 Barisan Nasional members, including from 114 Umno branches in Silam led by former Lahad Datu assemblyman Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal joined Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) yesterday.

Yusof who is the younger brother of Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, said they decided to cross over as they wanted to fight together and bring more development to this area.

Their membership forms were received by Warisan Secretary General Loretto S Padua Jr who said that the fight of Warisan on the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) is more focused and effective compared to others.

He said anyone is free to establish a party and fight for the MA63.

“However, we are the government and Warisan  as the government is more committed in defending the rights of Sabahans,” he said this in response on former Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman’s plan to set up a party based on MA63.

Loretto also said that the decision to cooperate or merge with Anifah’s party  is up to Shafie who is also the Chief Minister.

In the meantime, Loretto stressed that Warisan will not be alarmed even if the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) decided to enter Sabah.

However, he said it is better to let Warisan as the local party serve the people here in Sabah as demanded by the people as it understands the needs of its own people.

Earlier, in his speech, Loretto welcomed the new members to Warisan and hoped the old members will accept them with open heart.

He said the new members should start anew and will not bring negative behaviour into the party.

“What is important is the new members understand our fights and together strengthen the party so that we could provide excellent service to the people,” he added.

Warisan Wira chief Datuk Azis Jamman who is also Deputy Home Affairs Minister, reminded the new members to leave behind any bad culture as people are watching.

He said people decided to change the previous government as they were not pleased with the approach or behavior of Umno members.

“I hope the new members will further strengthen our party and the old members will cooperate without worrying as their struggle and sacrifice will not be forgotten,” he added.