By Ignatius Matayun
Ombudsman Outreach, Warisan
KOTA KINABALU: We strongly rejects the latest attempt by Datuk James Ligunjang to spread fear among Sabah’s Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM) community by reviving the tired myth of a so-called “Langkah Kinabalu 2.0.”
Let us be clear: there is no pact, no conspiracy, and no submission of Warisan to UMNO.
This is nothing more than recycled propaganda designed to confuse voters and weaken Warisan’s growing support among the KDM heartland.
We rebut James’ narrative on four points:
A Coalition of Rumours, Not Facts
James offers no evidence — only “reports,” “rumours,” and speculative questions.
The suggestion that Shafie Apdal would concede the Chief Minister’s post is pure fiction.
Warisan has consistently declared its intention to contest as a government-in-waiting, not as a junior partner to Peninsular parties.
The Real Betrayal Came in 2020
It was GRS — not Warisan — that entered into backroom deals with UMNO, Bersatu, and PAS to topple the elected Warisan-led government. If Sabahans want to talk about “Langkah Kinabalu,” they should remember the original betrayal of the people’s mandate in 2020.
Fearmongering Against KDM Voters
The narrative is aimed at scaring KDM voters into thinking Warisan will “surrender” their rights to UMNO. On the contrary, Warisan has been the only party consistently defending Sabah’s rights under MA63, oil royalties, and equal representation. Unlike GRS, Warisan has never been subservient to Kuala Lumpur.
Cheap Personal Attacks on Shafie
Dragging in Shafie’s ongoing legal matters to suggest he is “weak” or “desperate” shows how low GRS propagandists will go. Warisan’s struggle is not about one man — it is about restoring dignity and equality for Sabah.
James Ligunjang’s article is not analysis — it is psychological warfare. Sabahans should ask: Who benefits from planting this fear? The answer is simple — the same GRS–UMNO alliance that has sold Sabah’s autonomy piece by piece to Putrajaya.
Conclusion
“Langkah Kinabalu 2.0” is a phantom narrative. Warisan will never be UMNO’s puppet, and no amount of fearmongering will erase the memory of who betrayed Sabah in 2020. The coming election will be a referendum on whether Sabahans want to remain chained to Putrajaya’s political games, or to stand united behind a Sabah-first government.
