MELAKA: Amanah remains open to the idea of political cooperation with parties not from Pakatan Harapan for the Melaka polls, despite DAP's stand against expanding the coalition's election line-up.
Amanah secretary-general Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said no formal agreement had been reached with any party outside of Pakatan, including Barisan Nasional.
"Amanah is looking for sincere partners to govern Melaka and such cooperation will bring stability to the government.
"Without sincerity, the government formed will not be stable, as we have seen in Negri Sembilan," he said after an event with the fishing community at Pangkalan Tanjung Nibong in Telok Mas here on Sunday (Oct 4).
Muhammad Faiz said Amanah and Pakatan had held talks with several parties.
Describing Pakatan as a "good husband", he said the coalition had never betrayed its allies, citing its partnerships in Perak and Pahang.
"Let the identity of our prospective partner remain a secret for now.
"We are a 'good husband' who has never betrayed our partners, so we want to find a sincere 'wife' too," he said.
He did not rule out the possibility of Pakatan contesting the state election on its own, but said Amanah was more inclined to cooperate with other parties.
On DAP's opposition to such cooperation, Muhammad Faiz said this would be brought before the Pakatan presidential council for discussion.
Asked specifically about negotiations with Barisan, he acknowledged discussions had taken place.
"At the national level, there is indeed a unity government with Barisan and talks are taking place," he said, adding no agreement had been reached.
Melaka Pakatan deputy chairman Khoo Poay Tiong, who is also state DAP chairman, said Pakatan would retain its existing partners and would not cooperate with Bersatu in the polls.
"There will be no external political parties joining the coalition during the Melaka polls.
"We will maintain the current partners in Pakatan," he was quoted as saying.
