00:00An analyst said Sabah Amno Treasurer Saleh Sai Kuruwak's call for parties to allow its candidates to engage in friendly contests at the state's upcoming polls is aimed at reducing internal friction among coalitions.
00:15Bilcher Bala of University 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 alliance at the state level.
00:31Bilcher said while the strategy is intended to maintain unity within the BNPH alliance, it does not explicitly suggest that BNPH will go separately from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
00:41He said GRS could benefit from the proposal as it could ensure that the proposed BNPH-GRS coalition remains strong and united, which is crucial for winning seats and forming a stable government.
00:55However, he said clear communication and transparency are crucial to ensure voters understand the rationale behind the friendly contests.
01:03Another analyst, Lee Kuo-kyung, acknowledged that the arrangement could work depending on whether leaders can reach an understanding.
01:13However, he said it could disadvantage those who have consistently attacked GRS and party Bersatu Sabah and opened them up to counterattacks.
