The former Sabah chief minister said any negotiation on the distribution of seats in such an electoral coalition must also balance the interests of individual parties with the collective goal of winning the elections.

Salleh outlined several key principles that should guide the seat negotiation process between the parties in an electoral coalition.

He said it was important to consider the historical performance of parties in a particular seat, among other things.

“Seats should be allocated to the party that has the best chance of winning, based on past election performance.

“The robustness of the party’s machinery, and the results of voter surveys and sentiment analysis must also be taken into account,” he said in a post on Facebook last night.

Salleh, who is the Sabah Umno treasurer, said retaining an incumbent was important, but pointed out that those who had switched parties may need to be reconsidered.

“If a party has previously won a seat and still enjoys strong support, it is given priority.

“However, if the incumbent has switched parties or their support has waned, the seat may be reassessed,” he said.

The Usukan assemblyman said the stability and balance of the parties in an electoral coalition is another major factor.

“The allocation of seats must take into account the interests of all coalition partners to ensure political stability and prevent internal tensions,” he said.

Salleh also stressed the need to ensure the quality and acceptability of candidates in the negotiation process.

He suggested that parties in the electoral coalition settle possible disputes following the seat negotiation process by setting up a special committee, or with the intervention of the respective party leaders.

The Sabah state election must be held by the end of the year.