KOTA KINABALU: Not every political party has the ability to last, as some fade away after just one or two elections, said former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He emphasised that for political parties to endure over time, they need to be founded on robust grassroots backing, a clear vision, and trustworthy leadership.
Salleh pointed out that one reason for this is the lack of grassroots support.
“A strong party requires an active machinery, not just leaders at the top.
“There are also parties that lack a clear direction. They repeat slogans like ‘government party’ or ‘development party’, but when asked about their true mission, the answers are vague,” he said in his recent Facebook post.
In Sabah, Salleh, who is also the assemblyman for Usukan, noted that some parties may appear prominent for a time but ultimately fail due to a lack of significant differentiation from others.
“Today, the public seeks more than just promises of development. They assess stability, trustworthy leadership, welfare, unity, and policies that resonate with their daily lives,” he added.
Salleh also highlighted that internal conflicts contribute to the short lifespan of parties.
“When there are too many ‘bosses’, the direction becomes confused. People grow tired of parties that are constantly fighting among themselves.
“When a party loses credibility—whether due to election losses or integrity issues—supporters will distance themselves. Once public trust is lost, it is difficult to regain,” he explained.
He noted that some parties rely heavily on specific figures, and when that figure loses support, the party becomes silent as well.
“Today, the public evaluates the whole picture—not just slogans. Parties need a solid foundation, a clear mission, and trustworthy leaders.
“Time will reveal who is genuinely committed to the cause and who is merely chasing power,” he said.
