KOTA KINABALU: It is important to minimise friendly contests, and if at least half of Sabah’s 73 seats can be resolved through mutual agreement, it would create a solid and stable foundation, stated former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
For the remaining overlaps, he suggested that a friendly contest in the state election (PRN) might be preferable to internal strife or the covert support of ‘independent’ disruptors.
“But this must be agreed upon openly and respectfully.
In any coalition, it’s normal for more than one party to be interested in the same seat.
“This happens in a diverse political landscape like Sabah. What matters is how we manage it — with maturity, not emotion,” he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh, who is also the Usukan assemblyman, said a friendly contest means both sides compete, but the seat remains within the coalition — regardless of who wins.
“It avoids hostility and gives space for healthy grassroots mobilisation.
“Some argue this will split votes and benefit the competitor. That can happen — but only if there’s poor coordination and no clear messaging.
“If both sides campaign responsibly and stay united in the bigger picture, voters understand the arrangement,“ he said.
Salleh stressed that a well-managed friendly contest is often better than unresolved disputes or hidden rivalries. It shows honesty, unity, and trust — and prevents damaging outcomes.
For this to work, he said the main coalitions must first agree on basic principles and commit to a common direction.
“After that, a high-level committee should be formed to implement it properly — including identifying which seats qualify, how communication is handled, and how to maintain discipline on the ground.
“This is not about promoting friendly contests as the main solution but offering one practical way to manage political realities without breaking coalition unity.
“It’s just an idea to think about — because leadership is about solving problems, not avoiding them,“ he added.
