MARANG: PAS is confident that negotiations and the formation of political cooperation ahead of the Melaka state election will be easier than the situation faced during the recent Johor polls, Sinar Harian reports.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang told the Malay language daily that this confidence was based on positive feedback and responses from the grassroots, as well as the country’s current political scenario.
“God willing, it can be done. If Johor was more complicated, Melaka will be easier,” he said after delivering a lecture at Masjid Rusila here on Friday (Aug 21).
On Wednesday (Aug 19), media reports said Pakatan Harapan was open to holding discussions with Barisan Nasional in preparation for the Melaka state election.
Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter would be decided together with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abd Rauf Yusoh.
Commenting on discussions on co-operation between Perikatan Nasional and Barisan, Abdul Hadi said negotiations were still ongoing through appointed representatives.
He said there was a positive inclination within Barisan itself, with a majority of its leadership and grassroots supporting efforts towards such unity.
“We are still discussing it. Our representatives are discussing it with Perikatan. Within Barisan, there are differing views, but I believe the majority agree with co-operation with Perikatan. The Youth chief and the grassroots agree too,” he said.
Asked about PAS’ position should Barisan choose to work with Pakatan, he declined to comment further as no official decision had been finalised.
“Let it happen first. Since it has not happened, I have said to wait. There is no decision yet; we are still looking into it and discussing it,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Marang MP also criticised the Pakatan government’s leadership, which he described as lacking maturity in handling international diplomatic issues, particularly tensions between China and Taiwan.
He likened Pakatan’s approach to following the provocative lead of former United States president Donald Trump, saying it could embarrass the country internationally.
“Do not interfere in other countries’ affairs; it is their right. This is making statements like Trump … learning from Trump, provoking people. It is embarrassing,” he said.
Earlier, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil, at a press conference following the memorandum of understanding exchange ceremony between the Immigration Department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, welcomed BN’s openness on seat allocations for the 16th Melaka state election.
On Aug 8, Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the coalition had always been open to negotiations on seat allocations or exchanges, based on the principle of mutually respecting seats honestly and sincerely won by any party.
