KOTA KINABALU: There should be mutual respect between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as they prepare for the Sabah state election, said state DAP.
On Saturday, Barisan Nasional won the Mahkota by-election in Johor with a 20,648-vote majority.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had said that the victory proved the BN-PH formula should be used for the state election.
Sabah DAP committee member Datuk Chan Foong Hin said: "I'm not saying I disagree with him, but any collaboration should be based on mutual respect."
Chan said this after launching the National Seminar on Palm Oil Milling, Refining, Environment and Quality here.
The Kota Kinabalu member of parliament said a culture of extremism would not be well received in Sabah.
"If Umno cannot control or handle Youth leaders who are fearless in championing their own agendas, then we'd pay the price in Sabah politics.
"For example, I don't think calling someone an 'old Nyonya' would be accepted here."
Recently, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh had referred to DAP MP Teresa Kok as an "old Nyonya lady" and asked her not to interfere with Islamic matters, especially over halal certification.
Chan said personal attacks should be avoided.
"So I think Bung should consider how to handle these issues before discussing collaboration.
"When you jump the gun, it can sour the relationship."