The former Sabah chief minister said political success was not the result of just one person’s work but of every party member, from its top leaders to grassroot members.

“Of course, there are bound to be differences in views and personalities. That is normal in any team. What’s important is how we manage these differences: discuss things maturely, respect the views of others, and stay focused on our shared goal.

“Don’t let our differences lead to personal attacks or internal conflicts. Such attitudes would only weaken the entire team,” he said in a Facebook post.

The Usukan assemblyman said keeping a united front did not mean everyone in the party needed to keep quiet, adding that one’s personal views can be conveyed in a constructive and respectful manner.

“Leaders must set the example: listen to views, get everyone involved and resolve differences positively. Selfish or overly egoistic attitudes must be put aside,” he added, without elaborating on the context of his posting.

This comes amid the latest bust-up between Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin and his deputy, Abdul Rahman Dahlan, over where Rahman may be fielded as a candidate in the coming state election.

Rahman reportedly hinted at stepping aside if Umno decided not to nominate him for the Sabah election.

Bung later said Sabah Umno was prepared to field Rahman as a candidate for the Sulaman seat, which has been held by chief minister Hajiji Noor since 1990.

Rahman played down Bung’s comments, saying the decision on which seats Tuaran Umno would contest would be made by the division as well as Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Last year, the pair also locked horns after Rahman invited Hajiji, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman, to a divisional meeting also attended by Zahid.