KOTA KINABALU: A more inclusive and merit-based political framework is key to building a united and stable Sabah, says former chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (April 10), Salleh, who is also the Sabah Umno treasurer and Usukan assemblyman, said Sabah’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity demands a political approach where every community feels respected and involved.
He said leadership must reflect Sabah’s plural society while ensuring that those appointed are qualified, capable and uphold integrity.
He emphasised that representation must be given to the state’s three main groups—Muslim bumiputera, non-Muslim bumiputera and non-bumiputera.
“Each group must have a real seat at the table and be entrusted with responsibilities,” he said.
Saleh said what mattered was a model of governance that promotes inclusion, competence and shared responsibility, where every community and region plays a meaningful role in shaping Sabah’s future.
