Top leaders from Pakatan Harapan and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will be meeting next week to discuss formal cooperation ahead of the 14th general election.

Pakatan Harapan secretariat chief Saifuddin Abdullah said today the exact details would be finalised during the Dec 13 meeting at the PKR headquarters.

"The meeting is expected to discuss political cooperation among all four parties as part of the process to establish a one-to-one contest between the opposition and Barisan Nasional," he told a press conference after a Pakatan Harapan secretariat meeting at the DAP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Describing Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad's presence at the Pakatan Harapan convention last month and the DAP national conference last Sunday as positive signs, Saifuddin expressed confidence that more serious issues would be discussed further at the meeting.

"The presence (of Mahathir) was just to say hello, give a speech... but this will be a meeting among the top leaders of four parties.

"So I can expect that more serious issues would be discussed. And for me, the matters discussed would be the next step to form an opposition coalition and ensure a straight fight in GE14," Saifuddin said.

'Not the last of such meetings'

Asked whether Pakatan Harapan would open its doors to former ally PAS, he said the Dec 13 meeting would only comprise Harapan and Bersatu leaders, but it would not be the first or last of such meetings with other parties.

At the same time, he also maintained that Harapan's aim would be to ultimately unite all opposition parties in "one big solid strong coalition".

"That is always on our mind. But you know, sometimes people take time to decide. But time is not on our side.

"So we have to start talking to whoever has shown commitment to be together," he said adding that Bersatu, as a new party, had indicated its commitment to the same cause.

"There are so many other opposition parties. Lucky you did not ask me about Sabah," he quipped.

Also present at the press conference were DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, Amanah secretary-general Anuar Tahir and other Amanah leaders.

Asked for comment on whether his party and PAS were both fighting for Bersatu's support, Anuar said the issue did not arise as PAS had closed its doors to negotiations with Amanah and DAP.

"We are not a bunch of hard-headed hooligans. We can discuss, but there must be a time frame.

"For example if you want to perform your Zohor prayers, you cannot wait until Asar. So we cannot wait... At this point the four parties are ready," Saifuddin said.

In his speech at the DAP convention, Mahathir reportedly cautioned that Bersatu would abandon PAS if the party continued to resist efforts towards forming a united opposition against the BN.