PKR had expressed its concerns to both Islamist party PAS and its splinter Parti Amanah Negara that multi-cornered fights in the coming Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections would only benefit the BN.

This comes amid talk going round about an internal split in PKR that is partly attributed to unhappiness over the decision to negotiate with PAS after it was left out of Pakatan Harapan, although the Islamic party still maintained ties with PKR.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua told Malaysiakini that PKR’s stand on the need for a straight fight has been clear from Day One.

“From day one we (PKR) did not want to fight among friends. The aim was always to see a one-to-one fight with the BN.

“Both Amanah and PAS are our partners… The initial formula would be for PKR to stand in Sungai Besar and we cooperate with PAS in Kuala Kangsar,” Chua explained.

He also stressed that there was no ambiguity in PKR’s plans to defeat BN in the twin by-elections.

“We were trying our best to reach a consensus that could earn Harapan the maximum benefit in the form of votes in the by-elections,” Chua added.

Moving forward, the Batu MP said PKR would now focus on supporting Harapan’s campaign.

“We must support our coalition so that as many voters as possible will come out (to vote) on polling day,” he said while acknowledging concerns over perceived infighting within PKR.

Goal to ensure Harapan’s victory

Asked about word going round on ‘heated discussions’ at the party’s supreme council meeting last Sunday, Chua said it was a normal affair and that the final goal would be to ensure the victory of Harapan’s candidates.

Harapan is represented by Amanah’s Mohd Azhar Shukur in Sungai Besar and Ahmad Termizi Ramli in Kuala Kangsar.

Another PKR vice-president, Shaharuddin Badaruddin, told Malaysiakini that party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has clearly explained the party’s stand on deputy president Azmin Ali’s absence from the campaign for the by-elections.

“The issue of where or how the decision was made should not arise anymore. The position of the party is clear, and that is to support the Harapan candidates,” Shaharuddin said.

Like Chua, he also downplayed speculation that a rift had sparked during the PKR leadership meeting, saying what was important was the eventual outcome, as disclosed by Wan Azizah.

At the ceremony to announce Amanah’s candidate for Sungai Besar on Wednesday, Wan Azizah was questioned on the Azmin's absence, who is Selangor menteri besar, and she explained that he needed to take care of the state government.

Elected representatives from PAS, a member of the disbanded opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat, has remained in the PKR-led Selangor government.

Even before the Election Commission had met and announced the dates for the by-election, Azmin had vowed to practically live in Sungai Besar to campaign for Harapan.

At that time, Azmin, who is also state PKR chief, insisted that negotiations with PAS could go on until nomination day, which is tomorrow.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and other top party leaders have since rebuffed Azmin’s overtures and eventually announced the Islamic party’s candidates for the two by-elections - Meru assemblyperson Rani Osman for Sungai Besar and Najihatussalehah Ahmad for Kuala Kangsar.

Amanah and PAS are up against BN’s Budiman Mohd Zohdi in Sungai Besar and Mastura Yazid in Kuala Kangsar.

The Kuala Kangsar contest is expected to see at least one other Independent candidate enter the fray.

Tomorrow is the nomination day for both the by-elections and voting will be held on June 18.