Seat distribution based on agreement

SEREMBAN: The distribution of seats between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional for the state elections must be decided based on principles agreed upon through the unity government secretariat, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke.

Among the principles and parameters that had been agreed upon were that seats won by a certain party would continue to be contested by that party in the coming state polls, he said.

“For example, if the seat were won by Barisan, we will not ask for it, (as) it will certainly cause problems.

“For seats not won by either Pakatan or Barisan, then we will negotiate like in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“Of course, there will be negotiations between Pakatan and Barisan, that has been agreed upon,” he said after attending the DAP state polls preparation retreat here yesterday.

Loke told Bernama this when commenting on Negri Sembilan Barisan’s request for two additional seats from Pakatan in the coming polls aimed at obtaining a balance in each state assembly.

He added that the seat distribution between Pakatan and Barisan in the six states facing the polls should not be turned into a polemic and all wishes and views of all parties must be referred to the central leadership.

“We respect views; everyone can give their views; every party has its wishes, but, ultimately, I say that decisions must be based on shared principles,” he said.

He also said that there was no issue with any party being offended, and all parties must be open to any decision made by the central leadership.