PUTRAJAYA: Discussions with Barisan Nasional on forming a unity government did not occur prior to the 15th General Election (GE15), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Pakatan Harapan secretary-general conceded that he made a mistake in a previous Facebook post describing his experience in the discussions to form the unity government between Pakatan and Barisan.
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"The way the post was worded was not entirely correct thus creating confusion in deciphering the correct perspective on the discussion between the two parties," he told reporters after clocking in for the first time at the Home Ministry on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Saifuddin, who is also the newly appointed Home Minister, said while discussions only commenced after the results of GE15, he had good long-standing relations with the main political non-Pakatan characters.
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"We began discussions on cooperation (with Barisan) after GE15, where no political bloc could form a government. It is a statement of fact.
"Our choice was whether to remain in Opposition for five years or leverage on the number 82 to reach out to other parties," he said.
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He was asked whether discussions on forming a government between Pakatan and Barisan began before GE15.
"I have an advantage in the discussions given my personal relations with certain individuals.
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"However, the discussion on cooperation only began after the results of GE15," he added.
Some media outlets chose to report that the discussion between the two parties began prior to GE15, he said.
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"I will make corrections to my post and give a correct perspective.
"Thank you for the question and assisting me in giving a better perspective regarding the social media post" he said.
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On Dec 4, Saifuddin posted on Facebook that efforts to develop a cooperation with Barisan had long been planned by Pakatan.
