KUALA LUMPUR: DAP’s humiliating Sabah drubbing — losing all eight seats and seeing Chinese voters flock to Parti Warisan — has triggered alarm bells in Pakatan Harapan.

Warisan, contesting all 73 seats, actually won the popular vote (288,703 vs GRS’s 286,389) and took 25 seats, humiliating the peninsula-based Chinese party in nearly every direct clash.

Chinese Alternative

Political analysts warn the same exodus could repeat nationally if a credible alternative emerges. With MCA vowing to sever ties with DAP and refusing to join Perikatan Nasional, Warisan president Shafie Apdal is suddenly being eyed as the potential new champion for disgruntled Chinese voters in Peninsular Malaysia.

“DAP’s betrayal narrative is gaining traction. If Warisan expands westward with a multiracial, progressive platform, it could split the Chinese vote and reshape the opposition landscape,” one observer said.

For now, Warisan remains Sabah-focused — but the question everyone is asking: will Shafie go national?