Parti Warisan Sabah (WARISAN) is a regional political party from Sabah that rose to national attention in a short span of time. Rooted in state rights, multiracial unity, and anti-corruption ideals, Warisan has positioned itself as a symbol of East Malaysian pride while also seeking a bigger role in shaping Malaysia’s political future.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 17 October 2016
- Founder & President: Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal
- Key Achievements: Briefly governed Sabah (2018–2020); first East Malaysian party to be taken seriously as a national player
Origins: A Breakaway from UMNO
- In 2015, Shafie Apdal — then a federal UMNO minister — was removed from the Cabinet.
- The turning point: Shafie resigned from UMNO and launched Warisan in 2016 to offer Sabahans a local alternative to peninsula-led parties.
- Early focus: Restoring state autonomy, fighting corruption, and rebuilding pride in Sabah’s identity under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework.
Rise to Power: 2018 State Election
- GE14 (2018): Warisan partnered with Pakatan Harapan at the national level and swept to power in Sabah after defections gave Shafie a state majority.
- The Warisan wave: The party captured the imagination of Sabahans with its strong regional messaging and rejection of race-based politics.
- Shafie as Chief Minister: Led Sabah from 2018–2020; emphasized inclusive development, native rights, and state-federal balance.
Key Leader
| Leader | Term | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal | 2016–Present | Founding president; former UMNO vice-president; became Chief Minister of Sabah in 2018; seen as a symbol of Sabah’s political awakening. |
Fall and Realignment: 2020–2022
- 2020 Sabah snap election: WARISAN lost control of the state to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), a coalition aligned with Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
- Post-defeat moves: Shafie expanded Warisan’s ambitions beyond Sabah, contesting in Peninsular Malaysia during the 2022 general election.
- GE15 (2022): Warisan underperformed nationally, winning only a few seats, but maintained a presence in the federal Parliament.