Shafie accepts about 3,000 membership forms to join Warisan at the event in Pitas on Thursday.
PITAS : – Warisan president Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal has criticised the current state administration for failing to table the 2026 state budget, saying it reflects misplaced priorities and a government more focused on political manoeuvring than public welfare.
Speaking at a gathering with the people of Pitas today, Shafie said the absence of the 2026 State Budget shows a lack of responsibility to plan ahead for the needs of the people especially in one of Sabah’s poorest districts.
“This is already the 2025 Budget. There is no 2026 Budget, it doesn’t exist yet. Instead of focusing on serving the people, they are more concerned about seats and positions,” he said.
He noted that the ruling coalition has repeatedly delayed finalising seat allocations.
“If they can’t settle in September, they postpone to October. If still not done, they push again to November. Now they’re thinking about Donald Trump and seats but what about the people of Sabah?”
Calling the situation “a sign from God”, Shafie said the coming state election offers voters a chance to set things right.
He pointed out that by the time a new Cabinet is formed in December, it would already be too late to prepare a responsible budget for the following year.
“How are salaries for civil servants to be paid or respond to disasters if a bridge collapses or a hospital needs repairs? There is no government, no Chief Minister, only a caretaker,” he said, stressing that a caretaker administration cannot issue directives to district officers or initiate new expenditure.
Shafie, who previously served as both Sabah Chief Minister and a Federal Minister, said he understands the conventions and laws that define responsible governance.
He urged Pitas residents to use the election to bring about meaningful change.
“Pitas is among the poorest districts in Sabah. It’s time to make a big change. Give Warisan a chance. We will prove ourselves,” he said to loud applause.
The Warisan president’s remarks drew strong response from the crowd, many of whom voiced frustration over the state’s economic stagnation and rising cost of living.
