Salleh moots friendly fights in overlapping seats for Sabah polls

Salleh moots friendly fights in overlapping seats for Sabah polls

PETALING JAYA: A Sabah Umno leader has proposed that parties contesting the upcoming state election consider friendly races in overlapping seats while remaining united in their overall goals.

Salleh Said Keruak, the Sabah Umno treasurer, said rather than letting overlaps cause friction or lead to proxy independent candidates, it would be more constructive to consider friendly contests.

He said that to manage the arrangement effectively, parties must balance political realism with respect for one another’s grassroots presence.

“Friendly contests are not about ego – they’re about finding practical solutions on the ground.

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“If at least half of Sabah’s 73 state seats can be settled without overlaps, that already builds a strong foundation. For the rest, friendly contests should only be used when negotiations don’t produce agreements, and even then, only with a clear understanding,” he said.

Salleh, a former chief minister, said factors to be considered before deciding on friendly races included past election results, local support levels, proposed candidates, and potential seat swaps.

He said this approach, which was also taken in countries like India, Germany, and Indonesia, would help reduce tension among party machineries, maintain unity, and give voters clarity.

“Some may argue that it’s better to go solo and form a coalition after the election. But that creates uncertainty – for voters, candidates, and future governance. It opens the door to personal agendas and unstable post-election deals.

“A pre-election coalition gives clarity, builds trust, and leads to more stable outcomes,” he said.

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Last week, Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin said the party would not work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in the state election and would only consider joining forces with the coalition after the outcome of the polls.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said on Thursday that the coalition would only decide on its alliances for the state election at its Supreme Council meeting after Aidiladha.

While Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have already announced an alliance for the Sabah polls, talks are said to be ongoing to rope GRS into the pact.