Political pacts must have a vision beyond just winning elections, says ex-Sabah CM

KOTA KINABALU: Political alliances should not be formed just to secure election victories but must be built on a clear vision, strong policies and long-term stability, says former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (pic).

He stressed that many alliances are created based on numbers alone, with parties coming together for the sake of forming a government.

While having enough seats is crucial, Salleh cautioned that alliances formed purely for political survival often end in division and instability.

“Stability is key to gaining public confidence. A strong alliance must have a structured decision-making process, clear leadership, and a shared policy direction.

“Without these, internal conflicts will arise, leading to governance failures,” the Sabah Umno treasurer posted on Facebook on Monday (March 17).

He warned against alliances driven by short-term political interests, saying such arrangements may succeed in elections but struggle to govern effectively because of internal power struggles.

Salleh pointed out that winning an election should not be the ultimate goal as the real challenge begins after securing victory.

“A political alliance must have a clear roadmap for governance. What happens after winning? How will it deliver on its promises? These are the fundamental questions that must be addressed,” he said.

Salleh stressed the importance of prioritising economic growth, stating that a strong alliance must focus on job creation, attracting investments and strengthening Sabah’s revenue streams.

He noted that pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, unemployment and infrastructure problems require immediate solutions.

“People expect real action, not just rhetoric. Alliances must be capable of delivering swift and effective responses to economic and social challenges,” he said.

He said there was a need to restructure Sabah’s economy for long-term sustainability, advocating for reduced dependence on federal allocations and the development of a self-sufficient economic model.

“A well-planned economic strategy will not only benefit Sabah today but will ensure future generations have a stable and prosperous foundation,” he said.

He outlined three key goals that should guide political alliances: economic growth and infrastructure development; inclusivity among all communities; and strengthening Sabah’s rights and economic independence.

“A well-structured alliance will not only secure electoral victories but also ensure long-term political and economic stability for the people,” he said.