“There are times when stability is far more important than wanting to be seen as the victor in every clash. Choose the right approach to confrontations,” the former Kota Belud MP said in a Facebook post.

Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have announced a pact for the state election, while talks were said to be ongoing to rope Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) into the alliance.

However, last week, Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin said the state chapter will not work with GRS for the polls.

He added that any possible cooperation will only be considered after the outcome of the state election.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor, who is also Sabah chief minister, said the ruling state coalition has yet to decide on its alliances for the election.

Last month, Hajiji said the existing alliance between GRS and PH, both of which form the state government, should be continued in the state election.

Bung and his Sabah Umno deputy have clashed several times in the past few years, with Rahman said to be keen on rebuilding ties between his party and GRS.

While Sabah Umno and GRS used to be allies in the state government, Bung led his party in retracting support for Hajiji as chief minister in January 2023. Sabah PH then gave Hajiji its backing to allow him to stay on as chief minister.