PKR vice-president Tian Chua said today he understood DAP's scepticism towards PAS as a political partner but urged it to stop attacking the Islamic party.

Likewise, Tian Chua said, PAS should also reconcile with its splinter, Parti Amanah Rakyat.

"We accept that all sides may have good reasons to insist on their respective standpoints.

"However, the prolonged arguments and accusations frustrate the ordinary citizens who are in deep suffering and find no way out.

"PKR calls on all parties to ceasefire and begin to reflect deeply to find solutions to fulfil the people's expectations," he said.

Responding to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng ( photo ), who was puzzled as to why PKR would want to continue working with PAS after its hardline stance contributed to the disintegration of Pakatan Rakyat, Tian Chua appealed for leeway in dealing with a complex situation.

"We also appeal to DAP leaders to hold back any hostile posturing towards other opposition parties.

"We understand fully the ground of DAP's scepticism towards PAS as a coalition partner. Criticisms by DAP leaders towards PAS were not totally unfounded.

"Nonetheless, PKR also hopes DAP can appreciate our efforts and strategy in dealing with the complexity of the opposition coalition," Tian Chua said in a statement today.

No need to cut ties over differences

He reiterated that PKR's stance to continue cooperation with PAS was not the sole decision of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali but was the party's official stance.

"We are mindful of our differences with PAS or any party, yet they shall not hinder our continuous engagement.

"PKR acknowledged the existence of some major disagreements in policy issues with PAS. It warrants more intensive debate and engagement with its leadership but not the severance of ties with our allies," he said.

Tian Chua said the cessation of antagonistic exchanges should apply to all parties, including PAS, which is also facing internal divisions.

It seems that separation of certain segments of PAS members and legislators is inevitable, he added.

"While respecting PAS' right to defend its party pride, it is also equally important for PAS leaders to be open-minded and magnanimous in dealing with their ex-comrades.

"I believe that forgiveness and benevolence are consistent to the Islamic values propagated by PAS," he said.

Tian Chua was referring to the planned Parti Amanah Rakyat which was formed by former PAS leaders upset with the new conservative leadership.

"As we welcome the birth of a new political force to be known as Parti Amanah Negara, we are mindful that we shall not fall into the enemy's trap and allow the opposition to become more fragmented.

"In democracy, ideological diversity does not necessarily undermine our political strength but instead it broadens our support base," he said.

New Pakatan cannot be rushed

Tian Chua said the closing of ranks is important, particularly at this moment when the country is facing political and economic crises.

"PKR will embark on a new process of rebuilding a new platform of cooperation, starting with a series of bilateral and multilateral discussions and negotiations.

"We must avoid repeating the same mistake by rushing into launching a new coalition pact hastily. Any political pact to be launched must ensure the broadest spectrum of political movements are represented.

"Inclusivity is the key to create a strong consolidated force to challenge Umno in the next general election.

"To achieve this, PKR will facilitate a series of confidence building measures with all ,including PAS, DAP, Amanah and others," he Tian Chua added.

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