Bilcher Bala of Universiti 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.

“The understanding (is) that whoever wins, the seat remains part of the coalition,” Salleh had said in a recent Facebook post.

Bilcher said while the strategy is intended to maintain internal unity within the BN-PH alliance, “it does not explicitly suggest that BN-PH will go separately from GRS”.

He said GRS could benefit if Salleh’s proposal is implemented.

“For GRS, this approach could reduce tensions and ensure that the (proposed BN-PH-GRS) coalition remains strong and united, which is crucial for winning seats and forming a stable government,” he said.

However, he cautioned that public perception must be managed properly.

“Voters might appreciate the effort to reduce internal conflicts and present a united front, but they could also be sceptical about the effectiveness of such arrangements.

“The key will be clear communication and transparency to ensure voters understand the rationale behind the friendly contests,” he said.

Another analyst, Lee Kuok Tiung, however, voiced his concerns.

He acknowledged that the arrangement could work, “depending on whether leaders can reach an understanding”.

However, he said, it could disadvantage those who have consistently attacked GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah, and open them up to “counter-attacks”.