Anwar Ibrahim's disclosure that Pakatan Harapan and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will hold discussions with PAS does not come as a surprise, according to a MCA leader.

Ti Lian Ker said this realignment was expected, since the opposition coalition knows it needs Malay votes in order to realise its dream of capturing Putrajaya.

On this note, Ti pointed out that PAS splinter Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) has failed to make inroads.

"But, as the saying goes, the ball is now in DAP's court.

"It would be interesting to see how Lim Kit Siang and others react to this development.

"Would DAP eat the humble pie and remain in another political 'illicit close proximity' with PAS? How would DAP spin this to its sympathisers?" the MCA central committee member told Malaysiakini.

'DAP cannot remain silent on this'

Ti also said DAP cannot remain silent on this issue, following its acrimonious divorce with PAS, which saw leaders of both parties hurling accusations at each other.

He said it was DAP together with Semangat 46 which empowered PAS by handing over the Kelantan state coffers and power base to PAS.

Since then, he added, PAS had evolved from a rural party of little significance to a giant which has forced Umno to abandon moderation to toe the PAS line of religion-based politics.

"Are we walking the path of the 80s? Would DAP continue to play deaf and dumb in view of this latest development?

"Or would DAP come out courageously to say 'no' to PAS in Pakatan Harapan?" he asked.

Ti said the burning question would be: is the desire to form the government so great that core principles preached for decades are abandoned in the pursuit for power?

On the same note, Ti said if DAP opposed to a dialogue with PAS, this could cause friction within Pakatan Harapan and sour ties with Bersatu as well.

"In reminiscence of the late lionhearted (DAP chairperson) Karpal Singh, I am waiting to see if DAP leaders would roar, or settle for a meek meow instead," he added.

Anwar, who met Bersatu pro-tem president Muhyiddin Yassin in court this morning, later told reporters that the pair agreed for Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu to hold talks with PAS.

Contacted by Malaysiakini, Lim and DAP organising secretary Anthony Loke declined to comment on the matter for now.