KOTA KINABALU: The allocation of seats in an electoral pact must be done in a strategic manner, says former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak
He said negotiations should focus on winnability and coalition stability rather than individual party interests.
In a Facebook post on Saturday (March 15), Salleh outlined key principles for seat distribution, highlighting a balanced approach to strengthen electoral prospects.
"The allocation of seats is not just about party entitlement but about ensuring victory," he said.
He added that the process should be based on past electoral performance, party machinery strength, and voter sentiment.
He noted that parties with strong grassroots support should be prioritised but said seats must be reconsidered if the party loses public confidence or if its candidate switches allegiance.
The Sabah Umno treasurer warned against multi-cornered fights within a coalition, saying only one candidate should be fielded per constituency to avoid splitting votes and benefiting the opposition.
He added that it is important to negotiate and compromise, suggesting that internal surveys, seat swaps, and joint campaign strategies could resolve overlapping claims.
"In cases where two parties vie for the same seat, we must rely on data-driven decisions and find fair solutions, such as offering alternative seats or consolidating support behind a single candidate," he said.
Beyond party considerations, Salleh, also the former Communications and Multimedia Minister, said that credible candidates who are well accepted at the grassroots level and have a proven track record of service are needed.
He also called for federal and state-level coordination in seat distribution to ensure broader coalition stability.
"A structured dispute resolution mechanism must be in place to prevent conflicts over seat allocation from jeopardising the coalition's unity," he added.
Salleh's remarks come as political parties prepare for negotiations ahead of the upcoming state election, due by September this year.
