KOTA KINABALU: Former Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, believes that the true battleground in the 17th state election (PRN17) is focused on young voters and those who are undecided.
He stated that these groups are not tied to any political party, but they are aware of current issues, performance, and the prevailing environment.
“To engage them, political parties must convey a clear message, address real-life issues, and present a credible vision for the future—not just temporary slogans or announcements,” he mentioned in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh, who is also the assemblyman for Usukan, emphasised that Sabah’s future cannot rely solely on rhetoric.
“It requires stable leadership, solid policies, and a genuine commitment to serve—not just during election seasons. The upcoming election is a moment for all parties—both political and the public—to make a mature assessment and renew their determination to build a more stable, just, and prosperous Sabah,” he stated.
On Tuesday, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that the State Assembly (DUN) will be dissolved soon.
“This is not surprising, as the current term is nearing its end, and elections must be held this year according to legal provisions,” Salleh remarked.
The former federal minister noted that the political temperature in Sabah is rising, with parties and leaders becoming more active—meeting the public, organising programs, and issuing various statements. This is a common occurrence leading up to elections.
“However, the reality is that many citizens have already made their decisions. They know who consistently engages with the community, who only appears during election time, and who truly understands the pulse of their daily lives,” he concluded.
