Former chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has urged Sabahans to safeguard unity as the state prepares for an election this year, warning that political competition should not come at the expense of harmony.
“Independence reminds us that true strength comes from unity, not division,” he said in a Facebook post today.
The Umno veteran said voters were free to support any party they liked.
He said “choosing different parties is the people’s right, but it must never destroy harmony or respect in politics”.
The ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has said it will form an alliance with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming state election, but PH has also said it has agreed to an electoral pact with Barisan Nasional.
Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition would not work with GRS, but would only consider cooperation after the outcome of the election.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hoped, however, that all three coalitions would be able to work together for the polls.
Salleh reminded political leaders that contests should be about policies and development.
“Political competition should be about ideas to develop the state in the spirit of MA63 and not insults or slander,” he said, referring to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
The former federal minister also cautioned against allowing politics to erode the meaning of independence as Malaysia celebrates its 68th national day on Aug 31.
“Independence loses its meaning if politics only breeds division. It must be filled with stability, justice, and opportunities for every Sabahan,” he said.
Calling unity the foundation of progress, Salleh said Sabah would only thrive if politicians put cooperation instead of discord.
“Unity is the key. Only with stability and cooperation can Sabah truly progress within a stronger Malaysia. Sabah is greater than division, and Malaysia is stronger with unity,” he added.
