KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak emphasised the essential principles of establishing an alliance, especially in the context of preparing for an election.
He stressed that one of those is that an alliance should not be just about winning an election.
Instead, Salleh said it must be built on a clear vision, strong policies, and long-term stability to govern effectively.
According to him, many alliances are formed based on the numbers game.
“While numbers matter in forming a government, alliances built purely on political survival often lead to instability and breakups,” he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh, who is also the assemblyman for Usukan, said that stability is key for the people’s confidence.
“A strong alliance must have a structured decision-making process, clear leadership, and a shared policy direction to ensure long-term governance,” he added.
Salleh further elaborated that there is a need to avoid alliances based on political convenience.
“Short-term political convenience may win elections, but it often leads to internal power struggles and weak governance,’ he said.
The former federal minister said other bases for forming an alliance are winning an election is not the final goal; the economy must be the top priority, and quick solutions are needed for immediate concerns.
Apart from restructuring the economy for long-term growth is critical, Salleh said; the alliance must be guided by three main principles.
These include Politics of Development, Politics of Accommodation, and Politics of Autonomy, he said.
Salleh asserted that an alliance must be built on substance, not just strategy.
“A strong, well-planned alliance will not only win elections but also ensure lasting political and economic stability for the people,” he added.
