KUALA LUMPUR: Perikatan Nasional must resolve its internal differences and focus on preparations for the Melaka state election, says coalition information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said the coalition needed to discuss its preparations for the Melaka polls and ensure all component parties understood the implications of the court’s decision on relevant matters.
Speaking to reporters upon arriving at Perikatan’s emergency supreme council meeting at the PAS headquarters here on Sunday (Oct 25), Annuar said the coalition could not delay discussions when other political groups had already announced their candidates.
“Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan have made a candidate announcement. We must also make a candidate announcement,” he said.
He added that Perikatan needed to consult its component parties before finalising its candidates and election strategy.
Annuar said the meeting was also necessary to brief coalition leaders on the court order and discuss how Perikatan should proceed in accordance with the law.
“We are in line with the rule of law. The court has made its decision, unless they say otherwise,” he said.
He criticised what he described as repeated excuses for not attending meetings, questioning Bersatu’s commitment to the coalition.
“Is Bersatu still loyal to the coalition? Or do they want to see the collapse of Perikatan Nasional?” he said.
Annuar said any component party that failed to show loyalty to the coalition was committing a serious breach of discipline, adding that parties should work together rather than undermine one another.
He urged Perikatan leaders to put their differences aside and focus on contesting the Melaka state election.
“We have six parties. We have to listen to the other five.
“If you have an opinion that the meeting cannot be held, then come, sit down and have a chat,” he said.
Annuar also dismissed suggestions that the meeting could not be held because of the court order, saying the coalition should sit down together and determine its next steps.
When asked whether the Sarawak state election would be discussed, he said he did not expect it to be on the agenda, adding that the coalition needed to address its issues one at a time.
