Warisan denies claims that thousands quit the party

KOTA KINABALU - Parti Warisan (Warisan) has denied claims that thousands of its members had left the party during a press conference.

Warisan Information Chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman clarified that only a few people had actually left the party and the number was not 1,500 people as claimed.

He said many media statements were issued by former Warisan members, including the state legislative assemblymen, stating the support that they received from thousands of members who allegedly left to join them.

"Recently, it was said that 1,500 people left with the former Wira deputy chief. However, there were not even 50 people present during the press conference. "The answer is simple; they have to convince their new 'boss' that they have many supporters and that they will be relevant in the new party.

"I have no plans to cut off friends who left to find sustenance in their new party, even when they announced thousands of members left to follow them, in an effort to make their new 'boss' believe that they have many followers," he said in a statement today.

Mohd Azis added that Warisan's strength lies in the support of grassroots members.

"People see that Warisan's fight is not for rank or money but based on principles. Warisan is consistent in the fight to claim Sabah's rights and interests regardless of the party's position, whether Warisan is on the government's or the opposition's side.

"Today, we set up a unity government at the central level, but we will still demand Sabah's rights on both the outside and inside of the Dewan Rakyat.

Previously, it was reported that 1,500 leaders and members of Warisan Tawau from 30 branches of the Apas and Balung state assemblies had announced their departure from the party and expressed their support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership.