Shafie Apdal may need to offer more than his “Sabah first” slogan to secure victory in the upcoming state election, says an academic. KUALA LUMPUR: The dissolution of the Sabah state assembly on Oct 6 has sparked speculation over the political line-ups for the upcoming election . Amid a parade of heavyweights, Shafie Apdal remains a central figure. Long regarded as the quintessential son of Sabah’s East Coast, his party commanded strong support at the last election in East Coast constituencies