The "Barisan Rakyat" initiative which aims to supply "quality candidates" for Pakatan Rakyat has nothing to do  with former PKR supreme council member Zaid Ibrahim, according to the movement's coordinator Haris Ibrahim.

"There are a few individuals behind the initiative, but Zaid is not among them," he told Malaysiakini .

democracy kpi for najib 100709 haris ibrahim There is speculation that Zaid, a former law minister, might form a new political party with some activists, including Haris to act as a 'third force' between BN and Pakatan.

Coincidentally, Haris ( left) also posted an article titled ' People, please guide your Barisan Rakyat' in his blog last week - that proposed fielding candidates in the coming general election - that had raised many eyebrows.

Haris, a human rights lawyer-cum-blogger, said he has not been in touch with Zaid for some time.

He, however, is willing to meet Zaid if he shares the same agenda with Barisan Rakyat.

"We are prepared to work with anyone who shares the same ground to replace BN government with Pakatan."

Neither 'third force' or political party

Haris also said the 'Barisan Rakyat' initiative would neither become the 'third force' as claimed by some parties nor will it be registered as a political party.

He explained that their existence is to provide 'alternative candidates' with proven record of integrity for Pakatan.

"It is a people's initiative to form the Barisan Rakyat to strengthen the Pakatan Rakyat position in the coming 13th general election."

"We still see Pakatan as the best alternative (to the BN government), but the Pakatan has some weaknesses and we can help them to improve."

He said they are frustrated with Pakatan's weak candidates offered in last general election, some of whom are now 'BN-friendly' independents, who among others caused the downfall of the Perak Pakatan government last year.

So, they will offer a group of "better" candidates who would not be tempted by money to jump to the BN.

"We don't want a situation where when RM2 million is put on the table, the ' katak ' festival will start again."

Aptitude and integrity

Haris said the Barisan Rakyat has developed a candidate screening process, selecting potential candidates based on two criteria: aptitude and more importantly, integrity.

"Anyone with gambling habits, high loan exposure, borrrowing money from Ah Long , or criminal charges like criminal breach of trust or fraud will be deemed risky and would not be selected."

According to the posting in his blog, all candidates would be required to submit a comprehensive biodata to a risk management agency to pass the integrity test.

They will also be required to provide statutory declarations on their assets every 12 months.

Haris said they have already identified 16 individuals who agreed to offer themselves as candidates and are targeting a total of 30 alternative choices.

"We want to work with Pakatan to identify who are the weak candidates and recommend ours as the alternatives."

He cited Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong who quit PKR in May as one example of those deemed as "weak" parliamentarians.

Three-cornered fights not ruled out

When asked what would happen if Pakatan turns down their proposed candidates, Haris did not rule out the possibility of three- cornered fights, but still held firm to his belief that there is room for both sides to talk.

"I think we and Pakatan Rakyat have the same objectives; we want reform of the system. I believe Pakatan will listen with an open mind and open heart."

NONE He said the recent Batu Sapi by-election, that  saw a three-cornered fight among the BN, PKR and SAPP, has shown the urgency for all parties hoping to see a change in the country to sit and talk.

He, however, ruled out any possibility of working with either the BN or Independent Consensus.

"There is no way we can work with the BN. There is also no way we can work with the Independent Consensus, they are pengkhianat rakyat (traitors of the people)."

"Even if we win, we will still work with Pakatan. So, there is no worry."

He also said that they will have a series of meetings in the near future seeking larger consensus that is expected to include other civil movement groups on Dec 19 and organise a 'Rakyat Kongress' next year.