KOTA KINABALU: Political leaders, particularly in Sabah, are urged not to take the support of the people for granted, as this support is ‘not permanent.’
In making this call, former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak emphasised that many political parties have fallen due to complacency.
“Today they are with us, but tomorrow is uncertain. Politics is always in flux.
“They believe past victories will repeat, but they fail to recognise the changing sentiments of the people,” he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh, who is also the assemblyman for Usukan, noted that voters today are more discerning in their evaluations.
“They care about real issues such as the cost of living, employment, integrity, and the honesty of their leaders,” he remarked.
He pointed out that social media has transformed everything, allowing public sentiment to shift rapidly if people feel unappreciated.
Salleh asserted that engagement with the community should not be limited to election periods.
“The public desires leaders who are consistently attentive, not those who appear once every five years.
“Support from the people must be cultivated. It stems from trust, demonstrated efforts, and humility,” he stated.
Salleh, a former federal minister, believes that if a party fails to understand the people, the public will opt for leaders who are more in tune with their needs.
