PETALING JAYA – Negotiations for all 56 state seats in Johor are finalised, with PKR running using its own logo and partners DAP and Amanah use Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) banner, said opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also does not discount including other opposition parties in his bloc, especially newly minted Muda, saying that doors remain open for discussions.
When asked about Warisan’s apparent snub, he said he is open for talks despite the Sabah party’s views.
“That is perhaps his (Shafie’s) answer,” said Anwar, referring to Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shaife Apdal.
“But as the opposition, we want to encourage (cooperation).”
As for PH’s menteri besar candidate, he did not divulge the name, only saying that “it is still early days”.
“PH has yet to come up with a shortlist of reps. We have only just settled the seat allocation.”
He said this after the PH presidential council meeting at the PKR headquarters in Merchant Square here this afternoon.
“The decision on PH seats has been resolved and a statement will be issued on the matter soon.
“What’s important is that we are contesting in all 56 seats involving all three PH parties, but we still have space for other opposition parties, including Muda.”
On the use of separate logos, Anwar said it is a collective decision by the council.
He also brushed aside cooperation with Bersatu in the polls.
“That matter did not arise (in the meeting).”
“We said this involves the opposition (parties). Is Bersatu an opposition party?”
Meanwhile, the presidential council issued a statement later confirming that it had finalised the seats to be contested by PKR, DAP and Amanah.
The council also extended its gratitude to the members of the election negotiation committee, which was represented by Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, Naim Jusri and Akmal Nasir of PKR; Liew Chin Tong, Teo Nie Ching, Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali and Andrew Chen Kah Eng from DAP; as well as Amanah representatives Aminolhuda Hassan, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Suhaizan Kaiat and Abdul Hamid Jamah.
“The presidential council also wishes to repeat its stance in continuing cooperation negotiations and seat allocations with all opposition parties including Muda.
“This will consolidate the competitiveness of the opposition block in facing the upcoming Johor election,” it said.
The council added that it has agreed to use the PH logo, while PKR will be using its own banner for the polls.
“Although there were differing opinions on the use of the PKR logo, the council has agreed to allow the party to proceed with its plans, while its partners used the PH logo.
“Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will write to the EC (Election Commission) so that appointment letters for candidacies will be given to Lim Guan Eng and Mohamad Sabu.” – The Vibes, January 26, 2022