Source Vibes

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia: Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal unveiled the “Selamatkan Sabah” or “Save Sabah” slogan, framing it as a direct response to worsening economic conditions, youth migration, and failed governance under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration.

The slogan marks a strategic rebranding of Warisan’s electoral identity and a shift to a graver, more urgent tone.

“Save Sabah is not just a slogan. It’s about ensuring our children don’t have to leave just to survive,” he told reporters after chairing the party’s supreme council meeting in Kota Kinabalu.

He cited the rising unemployment and an exodus of young people out of Sabah as among clear signs that the state is being left behind.

Among others, Shafie also noted the infrastructure woes, underdeveloped industries, and federal economic assumptions that no longer hold have further weakened the state’s outlook.

“In the past, Indonesians came to Sabah to work. Now they’re going back, and our people are the ones leaving. “This is a real indicator of our failure,” he said.

On another development, Shafie made it clear that Warisan would not pursue political alliances or backroom deals heading into the state election.

Instead, the party would build its coalition with the people.

“We are not in any alliance with anyone. We have never merged. I’ve experienced merging before — with others, we’ve been through it all.”

Reflecting on those experiences, Shafie said the lesson was clear: party coalitions often prioritise power over people.

“If we think about coalitions between parties — they want positions, they want projects. But if we unite with the people, the people unite with us.”

“Our priority is to form a coalition with the people of Sabah,” he said.

The “Save Sabah” slogan replaces previous campaign themes like “Sabah Bangkit” (Sabah Rise) and “Sabah Ubah” (Change Sabah), which were associated with Warisan’s earlier political reform and resurgence.

In contrast, “Selamatkan Sabah” reflects a state in need of rescue — economically, socially, and politically.

“We’re not just talking about politics anymore. We’re talking about livelihoods, dignity, and the very future of Sabahans,” he said.

Shafie also cited his administration’s record during the pandemic — including using state funds to purchase vaccines and food aid, and working with AirAsia to preserve jobs and routes — as proof that Warisan can govern with urgency and competence.

“I told Tony Fernandes: if we’re going to help you, you must hire Sabahans. Pilots, engineers, cabin crew — give our youth a future,” he said.

The new campaign narrative also calls for deeper downstream development of Sabah’s economy, including localising processing industries to create jobs and value.

“Don’t just build a factory in Tongod,” he said. “Build an ecosystem — packaging, marketing, transport — so that Sabahans benefit.”

“We don’t need alliances. With the support of the rakyat, we can win. Because the people know what they want — and it’s not just more politics. It’s clean water. It’s roads. It’s jobs. It’s dignity.”

“We must save Sabah — because if we don’t act now, we risk losing an entire generation,” he said.