KOTA KINABALU: Politics that is overly centred on racial and religious issues can lead to significant divisions.
According to former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, many discuss the unity of Malays and Muslims in national politics, a narrative that may be applicable to the Peninsula.
“However, Sabah is distinct — particularly in terms of party politics.
“When we observe the political landscape in Kuala Lumpur, it often raises our concerns,” he mentioned in his most recent Facebook update.
Salleh pointed out that as the general election approaches, such rhetoric tends to amplify and intensify.
“For the people of Sabah, this does not aid in harmonizing our differences — it risks exacerbating them.
“While these approaches may reflect certain historical contexts there, if they are adopted in Sabah without caution, they could disrupt our social harmony,” he stated.
The former Federal Minister emphasised that Sabah is founded on a genuinely pluralistic basis, where Muslim Bumiputera, non-Muslim Bumiputera, Chinese, and others coexist — not in isolation, but alongside one another.
“Our stability is based on balance and mutual accommodation, rather than the supremacy of a single narrative.
“This is why Sabah must remain vigilant. We need to protect our social fabric from political influences that do not align with our realities.
“Our political framework is grounded in autonomy, development, and accommodation — ensuring our rights, prioritizing economic advancement, and managing diversity with maturity,” he added.
In the realm of party politics, he asserted that differences are natural, even as we may compete during elections.
“Yet, post-elections, we reconvene at the same table. Stability is paramount.
“We may have different methods, but we share a common duty — to safeguard Sabah’s harmony and secure its future,” he concluded.
KOTA KINABALU: Politics framed too heavily along racial and religious lines can create deep divisions, says former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He said many speak about Malay and Muslim unity in national politics. That narrative may suit the Peninsula.
“But Sabah is different — especially in party politics.
“When we observe political developments in Kuala Lumpur, we sometimes feel concerned,” he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh said as a general election draws nearer, such rhetoric tends to become louder and more intense.
“To Sabahans, this does not help harmonise our differences — it risks widening them.
“Such approaches may reflect certain historical realities there. But in Sabah, if imported without care, they can disrupt our social harmony,” he said.
The former Federal Minister said Sabah was built on a truly plural foundation, where Muslim Bumiputera, non-Muslim Bumiputera, Chinese and others have lived together — not separately, but side by side.
“Our stability rests on balance and accommodation, not on the dominance of a single narrative.
“That is why Sabah must remain mindful. We must shield our social fabric from political currents that do not reflect our realities.
“Our politics is anchored on autonomy, development and accommodation — safeguarding our rights, focusing on economic progress, and managing diversity with maturity,” he added.
In party politics, he asserted differences are normal. even we may compete during elections.
“But after elections, we return to the same table. Stability comes first.
“We may differ in approach, but we share one responsibility — to protect Sabah’s harmony and secure its future,” he said.
