KOTA KINABALU: The collaboration between Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah in the upcoming 17th State Election has sparked various speculations, particularly regarding the Chief Minister candidate.
Although this alliance is perceived as a new force in Sabah’s politics, the question of who will lead the state if they succeed has become a focal point.
Several political analysts have expressed concerns about the lack of credible figures within the BN-PH coalition, especially from PH Sabah, where the influence of its components like PKR, DAP, Amanah, and UPKO is considered minimal in Sabah.
However, according to political analyst and author Gundohing Musli Oli, for UMNO/BN, which has previously dominated Sabah, the issue of the Chief Minister candidate is not particularly complex.
“If Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is deemed unsuitable due to his legal issues, UMNO Sabah still has several alternatives, including Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
“In this context, Salleh emerges as an appealing candidate to consider,’ he stated in his social media post.
Musli noted that the Usukan assemblyman, who also serves as the treasurer of Sabah UMNO, possesses extensive experience in the political arena.
He previously held the position of Chief Minister of Sabah from 1994 to 1996, along with several key roles, including Minister of Communications and Multimedia in the federal cabinet.
Musli emphasised that this experience provides him with a profound understanding of not only the intricacies of administration but also the relationship between the federal government and Sabah.
“Sabah needs a political leader who can ease the tensions in the state-federal relationship, especially with sensitive issues being raised by certain state political leaders ahead of the election.
“Salleh is seen as a well-experienced figure to handle this,’ he remarked.
