Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) will not join the grand coalition announced by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, its secretary-general A Sivarajan said this is because PSM does not wish to be an ally of the former prime minister.

"PSM is opposed to the Citizens’ Declaration and any coalition led by a previous dictator," Sivarajan stressed.

He was responding to Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah, who said the coalition could serve as a platform to unite all anti-BN forces, including PSM.

Sivarajan said a better option would be to form a coalition comprising the civil society, unions and opposition parties with clear alternative policies to BN.

"If not, on what grounds will they campaign against Umno’s rule? How can you align yourself with Mahathir, who is the cause of the failed state that we are today?"

"A new alternative has to offer new politics, not a ‘rojak’ (mix) of leaders," he added.

Sivarajan also clarified that there is no communication between PSM and Pakatan Harapan and Mahathir's camp concerning the new coalition.

Mahathir had announced the formation of a new party and grand coalition following a meeting with opposition and civil society leaders in Putrajaya yesterday.

Previously, PSM chairperson Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan leaders and Mahathir is testament to the dearth of quality leadership in the opposition coalition.

Nasir blasted these leaders for relying on the person, whom he accused of undermining the nation's institutions in the first place, to lead the Citizens' Declaration movement.