FMT:
Politician questions credibility of Warisan’s urban Chinese candidates
Warisan election director Darell Leiking brushes off concerns, insisting that candidates bring their own distinct finesse into the mix
A politician claims some Warisan candidates are merely riding on the popularity of party president Shafie Apdal and the Warisan logo, but warned that people tend to vote along party lines.
PETALING JAYA: A Sabah politician has cast doubt on the credibility of several Chinese candidates fielded by Warisan in urban constituencies, questioning whether their selection was driven by merit or mere optics.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the politician described these candidates as unremarkable.
He claimed some had been “parachuted” into seats without grassroots ties, with one candidate contesting for a seat in northern Sabah despite residing in Kota Kinabalu.
“An assemblyman should live and breathe the same air as the locals to truly understand their needs,” he told FMT. “They should be accessible, not living four hours away.”
He argued that Warisan’s approach risks alienating voters and doing a disservice to the very communities the party is seeking to represent.
He also questioned whether such candidates could genuinely claim to represent the people if they were merely riding on the popularity of party president Shafie Apdal or the Warisan logo.
The politician’s concerns echo talk on the ground that suggests that many are less than enthused by the party’s candidates. Despite this, the source warned the party’s rivals not to be complacent and take their foot off the pedal.
“People often vote along party lines. We must not underestimate the power of branding,” the source said.
Separately, a political analyst, also speaking anonymously, said that apart from Junz Wong (Tanjung Aru), and Tham Yun Fook (Likas), most of Warisan’s Chinese candidates are relatively unknown.
The other two prominent leaders the party has fielded are former DAP assemblymen Calvin Chong and Justin Wong, who will be defending the Elopura and Sri Tanjong seats, respectively.
“Warisan is banking on its party branding to carry these lesser-known faces,” the analyst said.
Warisan election director Darell Leiking dismissed the criticism, saying all candidates had been vetted and possess the necessary background and experience.
“I’m not sure what these pundits mean. Which ‘popular’ candidates do they expect us to field?” he said.
Leiking acknowledged that the party is not fielding any political elites, but insists that all its candidates bring their own particular finesse to the mix.
“They may not be popular with pundits, but they are with the masses,” he said, adding that fresh faces should not be dismissed prematurely.
“No one knew many of the incumbents now seeking re-election until they got elected. Give Warisan a chance to lead a new and vibrant Sabah.”
Warisan is contesting all 73 seats in the Nov 29 state election.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the politician described these candidates as unremarkable.
He claimed some had been “parachuted” into seats without grassroots ties, with one candidate contesting for a seat in northern Sabah despite residing in Kota Kinabalu.
“An assemblyman should live and breathe the same air as the locals to truly understand their needs,” he told FMT. “They should be accessible, not living four hours away.”
He argued that Warisan’s approach risks alienating voters and doing a disservice to the very communities the party is seeking to represent.
He also questioned whether such candidates could genuinely claim to represent the people if they were merely riding on the popularity of party president Shafie Apdal or the Warisan logo.
The politician’s concerns echo talk on the ground that suggests that many are less than enthused by the party’s candidates. Despite this, the source warned the party’s rivals not to be complacent and take their foot off the pedal.
“People often vote along party lines. We must not underestimate the power of branding,” the source said.
Separately, a political analyst, also speaking anonymously, said that apart from Junz Wong (Tanjung Aru), and Tham Yun Fook (Likas), most of Warisan’s Chinese candidates are relatively unknown.
The other two prominent leaders the party has fielded are former DAP assemblymen Calvin Chong and Justin Wong, who will be defending the Elopura and Sri Tanjong seats, respectively.
“Warisan is banking on its party branding to carry these lesser-known faces,” the analyst said.
Warisan election director Darell Leiking dismissed the criticism, saying all candidates had been vetted and possess the necessary background and experience.
“I’m not sure what these pundits mean. Which ‘popular’ candidates do they expect us to field?” he said.
Leiking acknowledged that the party is not fielding any political elites, but insists that all its candidates bring their own particular finesse to the mix.
“They may not be popular with pundits, but they are with the masses,” he said, adding that fresh faces should not be dismissed prematurely.
“No one knew many of the incumbents now seeking re-election until they got elected. Give Warisan a chance to lead a new and vibrant Sabah.”
Warisan is contesting all 73 seats in the Nov 29 state election.
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