KUALA LUMPUR – DAP has pooh-poohed Amanah’s call for Pakatan Harapan (PH) to open the door for negotiations with Perikatan Nasional (PN), citing the “dark history” with PN component parties.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said in a statement that Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub’s comments are personal views and not a decision by the PH presidential council.
“DAP is of the view that the issue of cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional ahead of the general election does not arise because PN is part of the government bloc today.
“The concept of the ‘big tent’ agreed in the Port Dickson resolution refers to cooperation in the opposition bloc.”
He added that all in PH need to realise that it is “very difficult” to cooperate with PN given the “dark history” with PN component parties.
“I call on all PH leaders to discuss views on political cooperation with other parties with the presidential council and not issue public statements to ensure there is no confusion among our members and supporters.
“All decisions on direction and cooperation outside PH must be decided by the presidential council,” Loke said.
PN linchpin Bersatu is often blamed for the Sheraton Move in February 2020, which saw some lawmakers switching alliances that resulted in the collapse of the PH federal government.
Two days ago, Salahuddin urged the PH leadership to be open to talk to all opposition parties, including those in PN.
“To me, the discussions can take place either formally or informally as part of the ‘big tent’ initiative that was a resolution decided by the PH presidential council in Port Dickson in April last year.
“This discussion can also include PAS and Bersatu so as to keep the discussions open to all interested parties.
“It doesn’t mean that we can’t hold discussions due to our past differences, as opposition leaders in particular need to focus on unity,” he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail Online.
Earlier this week Amanah president Mohamad Sabu was not keen to work with Bersatu and PAS under its “big tent” approach ahead of GE15.
However, he said PH should be open to Pejuang, Warisan and Muda. – The Vibes, April 22, 2022
