KOTA KINABALU, Oct 27 — Looking tired but relieved to be out from behind bars after eight days, Parti Warisan Sabah’s Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the arrest and any impending action will not dampen his spirit.
Shafie, who said he was still recovering from high blood pressure and a recurring ankle injury, claimed his imprisonment has ignited a bigger fire in him following the show of support given to him by his party and the public.
“I’m sure this has lit a fire for the Opposition. In my political career, I have never seen so many people (of) all races — the Chinese, Indian, KDM, Bruneians — all giving their support and prayed for me,” he said, using the initials for the Kadazandusun Murut community.
Shafie, speaking to reporters at his home where a hundred or so supporters were gathered, said he was expecting more challenges and battles ahead from the ruling government, adding that he was ready to face them.
“They won’t stop but I won’t stop either. I will continue. They will try to pin me down by reducing my movement. But (my) spirit will not fade. They can tie up my hands, and gag me but I won’t stop. The struggle will continue.
“It is not an easy battle, nothing comes easy but I will not quit. And even when I am gone, the struggle will go on, it is not about individuals,” he said, adding that such struggles were not uncommon and many leaders, both locally and globally have gone through similar experiences.
The Semporna MP said that he was treated “alright” during his eight day detention by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and was professional in their handling of the interrogations.
He was among 13 people, mostly businessmen and politicians, arrested to facilitate investigations into alleged embezzlement of RM1.5 billion worth of projects under the Rural and Regional Development ministry from 2009 to 2015 when Shafie was its minister.
“They’re doing their job as MACC. They’re doing their bid. They were asking things from 2009 and 2010, from before. Why now? Is it because the election is coming?” he asked.
He also said the effect his arrest has had on his family was unprecedented, and that his children suffered the most.
“Even my brother, who lives in a small terrace house was not spared. But as a parent and leader I need to carry [sic] the struggle and carry (the) torch to the end,” he said.
Shafie was detained by MACC last Thursday night after flying in and showing up to give his statement here. He was issued a remand the next day for four days, followed by another four day extension. He was admitted to the hospital within a few hours of his arrest.
Earlier, he was released by the magistrate court and went for Friday prayers before meeting supporters at his house.
Shafie said he plans to visit his parents’ grave in his hometown of Semporna first thing tomorrow and to attend Parliament soon.
“And if my doctor and my health allows, I will attend Parliament next week. I will talk more there. That is the proper channel for me to talk,” he said.
