PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin has urged DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng not to dictate on the new opposition coalition before it is formally formed.
Reminding that the discussion is presently at an infancy stage, the Bukit Katil MP said the opposition parties should not be on a collision course.
“Even Parti Amanah Negara deputy chairperson Salahuddin Ayub has come out with a statement welcoming PAS. I think enough is enough and Lim should not dictate the yet-to-be coalition,” he said in a statement.
Shamsul ( photo ) added that Lim and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh should be magnanimous.
He was commenting on Lim's remark asking PKR deputy president Azmin Ali to explain why PAS should remain in the opposition pact, and Ramkarpal's statement that PKR was wrong to continue working with PAS.
Shamsul said past coalitions failed due to three factors, namely it was a mere convenience electoral pact to face BN in elections, no middle party to form the fulcrum, and thirdly the existence of meddling in the affairs of other parties, namely criticising leaders openly.
In the efforts to strengthen and enlarge Pakatan Rakyat into what he calls a “Super Pakatan”, they must take strategic steps, he added.
"Firstly, it should not be an electoral pact or a coalition for political convenience. It must be a coalition based on principles to achieve the desired objectives together," he said.
PKR must be seen as fulcrum
Explaining further, Shamsul added that Pakatan policy is based on PKR's contribution and this he thinks need to be strengthened.
“This is what PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ( photo ) emphasised when inviting those who have the same ideals to unite."
Secondly, he said, PKR must be seen as the fulcrum or the anchor party, and for this it had to be the strongest party which cannot be troubled, belittled, and threatened by others.
Shamsul said for this purpose PKR should increase its membership, leaders and talent bank, and on the same note welcomed Tumpat MP Kamaruddin Jaafar and former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Mohd Taib into PKR.
He also called upon the opposition coalition to practice the Wesphalia principle adopted by Asean, a system of non-interference into the affairs of another country.
Similarly, Shamsul said political parties in the new opposition coalition should respect each other and such principle can help maintain order.
He said PKR de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is inclusive in his leadership qualities, makes him a true leader.
“Hence, it is not wise for Lim and Ramkarpal ( photo ) to continuously attack Azmin. The nation should matter first, not personal feelings,” he reasoned.
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