DAP, PKR at odds over letting ‘Melaka Four’ run under coalition banner

KUALA LUMPUR – PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will have a tough decision to make when deciding on the candidates for next month’s Melaka election. 

Indications point towards the party nominating the four former assemblymen who withdrew support for the Umno-led state leadership earlier this month, triggering the snap polls. 

However, such a move could infuriate other Pakatan Harapan component parties and potentially threaten their relationship. 

DAP has stated that it rejects any of the four former state reps, including former Melaka chief minister and ex-Umno man Datuk Seri Idris Haron, from contesting under the PH banner, while many in Amanah are also understood to be against this idea. 

Other than Idris, the other three representatives who withdrew support for the Melaka state government were Datuk Nor Azman Hassan, formerly from Umno; independent Datuk Norhizam Hassan Baktee, and ex-Bersatu man Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad. 

Piling more pressure, DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago today urged the PH leadership to stick to its principles and not to entertain the wishes of the “Melaka Four” to contest under the coalition’s flag. 

In a statement, the Klang MP warned that if PH was to accept the four assemblymen, there is no guarantee that they will not jump parties again in the future. 

“It’s not always about winning. It’s also about principles, especially in politics. Politics is also about ideology and working for the better good of society, instead of just wanting power in any way possible. 

“Elections allow the rakyat to assert their aspirations and give them the freedom of choice. Party defections undermine the asserted will of the people. 

“This has been happening one too many times following the last general election and we, at PH, cannot condone it.”

Santiago said in PH’s case, the defections that happened within its ranks not only led to its collapse at the federal level, but also brought about political instability in the country. 

“Let these four politicians figure it out for themselves. And let the people decide their political fate.”

In a separate statement, DAP assistant national organising secretary and Kota Melaka assemblyman Khoo Poay Tiong said the opinions shared by several PH leaders voicing disagreement on accepting any of the four has strong merit. 

He said the call to reject political traitors is not only based on ethical reasons. 

“Empowering political traitors will have serious implications on the upcoming state government that will be formed after the election. No state government can function effectively if it comprises disloyal figures such as Norhizam. 

“There will never be political stability even after the state election, as the anti-party hopping legislation has not been passed.”

The four former Melaka assemblymen withdrew their backing for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali on October 4. They have since held a series of meetings with PKR leaders on potentially contesting under the party’s logo. 

Melaka will head to the ballot on November 20, with nomination day set for November 8. 

Yesterday, PKR vice-president Tian Chua urged PH to work with whoever is capable of helping them achieve victory in Malacca and restore the people's mandate in 2018.

Separately, Anwar said the four politicians have expressed intentions to join PH but have yet to formally apply, adding that the coalition’s presidential council meeting yesterday did not discuss the matter in detail.

DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, however, said the party’s position that PH must reject traitors has been made loud and clear during yesterday’s meeting.

“PH must campaign based on our common policies and track record during our 22-month rule in Melaka under the leadership of former chief minister Adly Zahari.” – The Vibes, October 21, 2021