KLANG: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's press conference scheduled for 4.30pm Tuesday (March 16) is giving rise to much talk, including that the PKR president will announce a collaboration with the party's nemesis, Umno.
This possibility has received mixed reactions from elected representatives in Selangor.
PKR's Meru assemblyman Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Mokhtar said he did not see anything wrong in the collaboration provided it was done in the best interest of the people and the nation.
"If it is for this reason, I will fully support but if it is done for individual interests and temporary benefits, I will not support," he said.
Fakhrulrazi added that from his observation, he was confident Anwar's plans emphasised the betterment of the nation and the people.
DAP's Klang MP Charles Santiago said collaboration between different groups required trust.
"What is the trust between PKR and Umno based on?
"PKR was formed as a response to Umno and so has Umno made the changes acceptable to PKR?" he asked.
Santiago said any changes, agreement or collaboration must not be a case of "a new fox replacing an old fox".
"Changes made must be based on good governance, ideology, the welfare of the people and a corruption-free environment," he said.
He also pointed out that Umno had failed to support Anwar in protesting against the Federal Government's 2021 budget even though it had said that it would.
Selangor PAS secretary Roslan Shahir, meanwhile, said he did not believe that a collaboration can be achieved between Umno and PKR.
"I believe only one or two leaders are interested in a possible collaboration.
"Most of the Umno leadership as well as the grassroots members will oppose working with PKR," he said.
Roslan added that in the event the Umno leadership went ahead with the collaboration with PKR, they were taking a big risk as this may anger the party grassroots.
