Party prioritises political stability and economic prosperity
AMPANG JAYA: Pakatan Harapan is open to working with any political party – including Umno and Bersatu – if it helps ensure political stability and the country’s prosperity, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pic).
The Pakatan election director said political cooperation should not be confined to any single party, stressing that discussions could take place with anyone willing to build a constructive partnership.
“When Umno says it is open to working together, that’s fine. We can discuss it,” he told reporters after launching Program Madani Bersama Komuniti Ampang Jaya yesterday.
“We have to be open to working with various parties. If we can accept Umno, why can’t we accept Bersatu?”
Amirudin, who is also Selangor Mentri Besar, said history has shown that alliances have evolved, with parties forming and dissolving partnerships to create new coalitions.
“The unity government was formed after national leaders realised the country had become chaotic because of repeated political divisions. We do not want a repeat of that. We need a stable government,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Amirudin urged Malaysians not to view anti-corruption efforts through the lens of race or politics, saying action against wrongdoing should be taken regardless of a person’s background or position.
He said there had been attempts to portray anti-corruption measures as targeting particular groups or political opponents, diverting attention from the real issue of governance.
“They try to create the impression that it is directed at certain groups, when in fact our stand against corruption is for everyone,” he said.
Amirudin added that those found to have committed offences should face action whether they were political leaders, corporate figures or ordinary citizens.
“Our government serves everyone. The fight against corruption should be a collective effort because its impact is felt by all Malaysians, not just one group,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said he was waiting for Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh to be ready before initiating formal talks on political cooperation in the state.
Amirudin said he had contacted Ab Rauf, but the Melaka Chief Minister indicated he wanted to await policy decisions from the central leadership of Umno and Barisan before proceeding with further discussions.
Elaborating on negotiation principles, Amirudin stressed that any political cooperation must be rooted in sincerity without setting early preconditions that could stifle the discussion process.
He cited Pakatan’s cooperation in Selangor during the last state election, where the coalition was willing to concede seats it had won to Barisan to ensure the formation of the government.
“We negotiated sincerely during the (Selangor) state election and hope there is sincerity when we discuss elsewhere,” he said, Bernama reported.
On Aug 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan chairman, said Amirudin had been given the mandate to work out the details of cooperation with Barisan, including seat allocation for the upcoming Melaka state election.
In the 15th Melaka state election, Barisan formed the state government after winning 21 seats, followed by Pakatan with five seats and Perikatan Nasional with two.
The mandate of the Melaka state government will expire on Dec 31.
