Following the apparent fallout between PAS and its Pakatan Rakyat partners DAP and PKR, a PKR Youth leader has asked for renewed initiatives to welcome the participation of political parties in Sabah and Sarawak in the coalition.

This, PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin said today, is needed for the opposition to be able to combine its resources in facing Umno and BN in the next general election.

“We take into consideration the views and criticism of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang with an open heart.

“Therefore, with much respect and humility, we hope that Pakatan leaders can find common ground for us to discuss at the meeting table and strengthen cooperation within the opposition front in order to build a country that is just and free.

“We are also of the view that Pakatan should start a new initiative to welcome other political parties in the country, especially those in Borneo, to cooperate and face Umno and BN in the next election,” Afif said in a statement.

Hadi in his closing speech to the PAS muktamar on Saturday gave a strongly worded call to PKR to stop “stealing” and “buying” its two assemblypersons (Saari Sungib of Hulu Kelang and Morib's Hasnul Baharuddin) and described the two as “lackeys”.

'People have high hopes about Pakatan'

This led to an exchange between PKR and DAP as to what Hadi had said.

Afif, who is also Seberang Jaya assemblyperson and a Penang state executive councillor, said the people have high hopes about seeing Pakatan remain strong to fight for their rights.

He said political cooperation should be made on common values and trust, as what was agreed upon in the formation of Pakatan, which is based the principles of justice and freedom in Malaysia and within the framework of the Federal Constitution.

“Hence, it is wise that this objective is relieved to ensure improving relations between PAS, DAP and PKR.”

There have been several incidents that have affected relations among the three Pakatan members, including the Kajang Move, the hudud move of PAS and the Selangor menteri besar crisis.