Selangor menteri besar Azmin Ali has welcomed PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man’s urging for a ceasefire between opposition parties.
The PKR deputy president said it is imperative that the parties agree to return to the negotiation table and, at the very least, devise an electoral pact.
Heralding the PAS leader’s stand as providing hope for people who desire change, he argued that it cannot be achieved in the absence of unity among opposition parties.
“History proves with unity and adherence to common policies, the opposition successfully denied BN two-thirds parliamentary majority in two consecutive general elections and obtained more popular votes (compared to BN) in the 13th general election.
“On the contrary, division in the opposition profits Umno and BN as proven in the Sarawak state election as well as the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections. We must realise that our real struggle is to save Malaysia, and our enemy is Umno-BN,” he said in a statement.
In the Sarawak polls and recent twin by-elections, opposition parties were embroiled in three-cornered fights and the campaign witnessed attacks being launched on each other.
Following the collapse of Pakatan Rakyat, DAP, PKR and PAS splinter Parti Amanah Negara formed a new coalition called Pakatan Harapan.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, on the other hand, is often accused of being aligned to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno.
Meanwhile, Azmin praised Tuan Ibrahim (photo), saying his stand reflected his political maturity, experience and vision, which places the interests of the people and nation above all else.
He also agreed with the PAS leader on the need to celebrate the similarities between the opposition parties while downplaying the differences.
“As a result of the wrongdoing in the management of the economy, and the wretched political culture of Umno and BN, I am confident that opposition leaders are aware that the people are demanding a system which is transparent and are hoping that these leaders help them realise this aspiration,” he added.
Failing to reach a compromise, Azmin said, would be tantamount to betraying the people's trust.
“Therefore, PKR is prepared to provide the space for a roundtable discussion between opposition parties, NGOs and individuals committed to the agenda of change,” he added.
Tuan Ibrahim’s call for a ceasefire comes in the wake of reports that Dr Mahathir Mohamad might spearhead a new party comprising ex-Umno leaders and members.
The former premier is scheduled to meet with opposition leaders regarding this tomorrow.
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