KOTA KINABALU: With the state election approaching, a crucial question arises: should parties run independently or collaborate?
Political scientist Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak shared his perspective on this matter, stating that if a party chooses to go solo, it maintains its unique identity without compromise.
“However, the downside is that multi-cornered contests can divide votes, ultimately diminishing the likelihood of establishing a stable government,” he remarked in his recent Facebook update.
The former Chief Minister of Sabah suggested that collaboration allows for the unification of strengths.
“When energy and support are pooled together, the political message becomes more persuasive, votes remain intact, and the probability of forming a stable government increases.
“The public is weary of the constant party-switching and frequent changes in government. Their primary concern is: who can ensure stability for a complete five years?” he stated.
Salleh noted that in the current national political landscape, voters are looking for leaders who can collaborate with Putrajaya to foster development, attract investments, create job opportunities, and enhance infrastructure in Sabah.
Simultaneously, he emphasised that Sabah’s stance on autonomy and MA63 must be resolute.
“Voters expect state rights to be championed as the rights of the people, not merely as political leverage, and without compromising stable relations with the federal government. The strategy should transcend partisan politics.
“The personal agendas of any leader should not dictate decisions. Unity must be founded on the interests of the people and the future of Sabah. Self-aggrandizement and heroism are not aligned with the people’s priorities,” he added.
Ultimately, Salleh, who also serves as the Usukan assemblyman, stated that voters will opt for the path that can harmonize diversity, ensure stability, promote development, and uphold MA63.
“In the current political climate, the victor is not the one who stands alone, but rather the one who fosters unity,” he emphasised.
The Future of Sabah Lies in Cooperation -Salleh
KOTA KINABALU: As the state election is drawing nearer, the key question often raised is whether parties should contest solo or through cooperation.
Sharing his views on this, political scientist Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said If solo, a party stands with its own identity without compromise.
“But the risk is multi-cornered contests that can split votes and ultimately weaken the chance of forming a stable government,” he said in his latest Facebook post.
The former Sabah Chief Minister opined that If through cooperation, it opens the way to unite strengths.
“When energy and support are combined, the political message is more convincing, votes are not split, and the chances of forming a stable government are higher.
“People are already tired of episodes of party-hopping and frequent government changes. Their main question is: who can guarantee stability for a full five years? he said.
Salleh said In today’s national political context, voters want to see who can work with Putrajaya to bring development, investment, job opportunities, and infrastructure to Sabah.
At the same time, he said Sabah’s voice must be firm on the issue of autonomy and MA63.
“Voters want state rights to be fought for as the people’s rights, not merely as political capital, and without sacrificing stable relations with the federal government. The approach must go beyond partisan politics.
“The personal interests of any leader should not be the basis of consideration. Unity must be built on the people’s interests and the future of Sabah. Heroism and self-promotion are not the people’s agenda,” he added.
Ultimately, Salleh, who is also the Usukan assemblyman said voters will choose the path that can unite diversity, guarantee stability, bring development, and uphold MA63.
“In today’s political reality, the winner is not solo, but unity,” he stressed.
