Principles should not bend with political convenience, says Salleh

Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has emphasized that principles should not be compromised for political gains. In a recent Facebook post, he stressed that while politics, parties, and personal interests may shift with time, principles must remain steadfast. Salleh pointed out that political positions and alliances can change, but core principles should not be bent for convenience.

He described the dynamics of politics through four elements: politics, party, principles, and personal interests. According to Salleh, while strategies may vary, principles provide the public argument, and personal interests might be the underlying real explanation. He emphasized that flexibility and compromise are essential in politics, but warned against confusing strategy flexibility with principle flexibility.

Salleh suggested that cooperation can be viewed as political maturity, while competition can be defended under the guise of principles. Ultimately, the question is not about who is right or wrong, but rather, which P is guiding the decision at any given moment.