KOTA KINABALU: The decision by Barisan Nasional (BN) to run independently in the upcoming Johor state polls is consistent with normal coalition dynamics, said former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He dismissed suggestions that this move contradicts BN’s alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level, explaining that the two coalitions joined forces nationally due to the need for a stable governing majority.
“In Johor, BN assesses that it has enough support and organizational strength to contest independently and seek its own mandate, without depending on PH,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Salleh pointed to the 2025 state election in Sabah as a comparable example, where BN, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and Warisan ran against one another.
After the results, the Sabah Umno treasurer, BN opted to form the state government in partnership with GRS, while Warisan stayed in opposition.
“Political outcomes are ultimately determined by election results and seat counts in the legislature,” he noted.
“Parties may oppose each other during campaigns but later cooperate when governance demands it. The priority is maintaining stability and ensuring effective administration.”
He added that such scenarios are common in many democratic systems.
In Germany, for instance, major parties often run against each other in elections but later form coalition governments if no single party secures a majority.
Similarly, in India, parties aligned at the national level sometimes compete in state elections. Australia also sees differences in political strategies between state and federal arenas.
Source-FMT
