“There are parties that want links with PKR, and they see us as the mediator. As an individual party in Pakatan Harapan, PKR has a bit of leeway to have discussions with Pas”
SHAH ALAM: Pas has been criticised for telling PKR to exit.
Pakatan Harapan as a prerequisite for both parties to work together in the upcoming 14th General Election.
Such a condition, said Selangor PKR secretary Amirudin Shari, was not in line with the party’s stand that all opposition parties should band together.
He said PKR was of the view that all opposition parties must unite to form a united front against Umno and Barisan Nasional in GE14.
“Everyone can give any suggestions but most importantly, PKR has been consistent with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s stance that the opposition front’s unity is the main priority.
“This is to ensure that the ‘straight fight’ formula in the next general election becomes a reality.
“We want to work towards that as long as it is not nomination day yet. We will continue to try our best so that the one-on-one formula happens,” said Amirudin today.
Anwar is Pakatan Harapan de facto leader, while Azmin is PKR deputy president.
Amirudin said this on the sidelines of the Selangor state budget roundtable discussion held in Shah Alam Convention Centre.
Amirudin was asked to comment on Pas Youth vice chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s statement, in which he said the Islamic party will only open its doors for negotiation if PKR leaves Pakatan Harapan.
Asked if PKR’s stance contradicted the Pakatan Harapan presidential council’s decision against cooperating with Pas, Amirudin said such a move was necessary.
“The issue here is very simple. It’s either we face three-cornered fights or we contest one-to-one. Which is better? We want to strengthen Pakatan Harapan and at the same time, invite others to bring about change together.
“We are open to other parties. If we fail (in the discussions with Pas), then we will have to face what is to come and we are prepared,” said Amirudin.
Meanwhile, PKR central committee member Elizabeth Wong said it was normal for political parties to set conditions when it wants to hold discussions with potential allies.
“Those conditions are meant to protect the rights and interests of individual political parties regardless if it’s Pas, Parti Sosialis Malaysia or even those in Sabah,” she added.
“However, I must say it is interesting to hear Pas Youth saying this. It means they have began to think that there may be a chance (to work together) but with conditions. That is the first step.
“There are parties that want links with PKR, and they see us as the mediator. As an individual party in Pakatan Harapan, PKR has a bit of leeway to have discussions with Pas.
“Our position is that we are open to discussions if they agree with our common policies and want to be part of a bigger opposition front to fight Umno and BN in the next general election,” said Wong.
Anwar had, in a statement recently, urged PKR to keep its doors open to Pas as a nationwide strategy and not limited only to Selangor, where Azmin is Menteri Besar.
Source: NST Online
