Salleh's ‘friendly contest' proposal tactical, says analyst
Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Bilcher Bala says Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak's proposal appears aimed at discouraging the emergence of proxy independent candidates.
PETALING JAYA : Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak's call for parties to allow its candidates to engage in 'friendly contests' with each other at the state's upcoming polls is aimed at reducing internal friction among coalitions, according to an analyst.
Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the former chief minister's call for a 'planned, respectful arrangement' may be a tactical effort to defuse tensions, manage internal competition, and prevent conflicts within the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Harapan (BN-PH) alliance at state level.
Bilcher Bala.
'The understanding (is) that whoever wins, the seat remains part of the coalition,' Salleh had said in a recent Facebook post.
Bilcher said that while the strategy is intended to maintain internal unity within the BN-PH alliance, 'it does not explicitly suggest that BN-PH will go separately from GRS.'
He said that GRS could benefit if Salleh's proposal is implemented.
'For GRS, this approach could reduce tensions and ensure that the (proposed BN-PH-GRS) coalition remains strong and united, which is crucial for winning seats and forming a stable government,' said Bilcher.
However, he cautioned that public perception must be managed properly.
'Voters might appreciate the effort to reduce internal conflicts and present a united front, but they could also be sceptical about the effectiveness of such arrangements.
'The key will be clear communication and transparency to ensure voters understand the rationale behind the friendly contests,' he said.
Lee Kuok Tiung.
Another analyst, Lee Kuok Tiung, however, voiced his concerns.
He acknowledged that the arrangement could work, 'depending on whether leaders can reach an understanding.'
However, he said, it could disadvantage those who have consistently attacked GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), and open them up to 'counter-attacks'.
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