KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Harapan is working to ensure that its partners Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) do not clash in the upcoming state election, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He stated that the focus is on arranging for no clashes between Pakatan, Barisan, and GRS in any seats in the election, expected before Nov 11.
"Our understanding is to secure an arrangement without three-corner fights between partner parties," Anwar told reporters after a briefing with Sabah PKR's election preparation team on Sunday (Aug 3).
However, he acknowledged the challenge in achieving this aim.
"Of course, avoiding clashes is a priority. But in politics, while possible, it can sometimes be impossible. If clashes must occur, we advise refraining from entering these battles to avoid division," he said.
Addressing questions about separate electoral pacts with Barisan and GRS, which sometimes compete despite being part of the unity government, Anwar responded to opponents' description of the arrangement as a love triangle.
He said, "Love is pleasant. Sometimes there is hurt, but that is what love is all about."
He emphasised the need for understanding between Barisan, GRS, and Pakatan.
"But I think, I don't want to pre-empt that because our intention is to ensure full understanding," he said, not ruling out open contests in certain seats.
Anwar noted that the current arrangement, with Pakatan in separate pacts with Barisan and GRS, might confuse voters. He mentioned that messages about voter confusion have been sent to all three parties.
Pakatan's cooperation with Barisan is being discussed by relevant committees to detail seat sharing.
"Our aim is to fortify the reform agenda and ensure collaboration for stability, peace, and a strong state government," he added.
Last week, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that the state coalition will collaborate with Pakatan. Meanwhile, GRS has maintained that it is not ready to work with Sabah Barisan, which has also refused cooperation.
