KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak called on the people of Sabah to make informed choices, ensuring that their mandate is not exploited.
During the election, he stated, “the people essentially select the party first, followed by the candidate.”
Parties bring policies, manifestos, and symbols – while candidates are merely representatives who carry the party’s name.
When someone wins on a party ticket, the victory belongs to the party, the result of its machinery, supporters, and grassroots strength.
“That’s right, anyone can run again under a different party or as an independent candidate. However, the people also have the right to judge – are they loyal to the original party’s mandate, or are they actually betraying it? he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh, the Usukan assemblyman, also said
There are leaders who leave the party citing “principles” or disagreement with party decisions.
But if you truly adhere to principles, the mandate should be returned to the people, not taken away.
In reality, when someone joins the ruling party, there is almost certainly a chance for a better position. The people know how to judge whether the action is for principle or for position,” he said.
According to Salleh, when an elected representative or assemblyman leaves a party, voters feel betrayed.
“The mandate given is considered personal property, even tho it is a trust,” he said.
Therefore, Salleh said the people should reject those who have neglected their trust in order to protect the dignity of democracy.
More importantly, the people have the right to demand political stability and choose leaders who are truly loyal to the people and the party,” he said.
