With the absence of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim who is currently incarcerated, PKR deputy president Azmin Ali admits he finds it hard to play the role of negotiator.

Azmin was responding to whether it would be possible for there to be two opposition coalitions in the future.

This, he said, was one of the available option, but enough time must be given for PKR to continue its negotiations with PAS.

“I have been doing that role for the last many months but it is not an easy task. […]for any party claiming to be democratic, we have to be inclusive.

“But it's not going to be easy. That was the role played by Anwar before.

“We have to swallow our pride and put the interest of the nation before the party’s interests,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Pakatan Harapan Convention today.

Foreseeing that the general election will be held soon, Azmin urged all parties to work together so as to prepare for the elections.

Asked on PKR’s negotiations with PAS, citing the party’s new spiritual leader’s statement, Azmin said they were “very forthcoming”.

“I am very positive that they understand the issues - that we need to work together and the importance of one-to-one fights.

“I think it is a good start but don’t push beyond that. We need to sit down and discuss as soon as possible,” he added.

PAS’ newly appointed spiritual leader Hashim Jasin had said that PAS was open to cooperation with other opposition parties, in order to ensure a one-on-one fight against Barisan Nasional in the next general election.

Other PAS leaders, however, have came out clarifying that they would not talk about any cooperation with parties that do not respect Islam or have a history of conflict with the Islamic party.

Meanwhile, Azmin stressed that PKR’s position with regard to working with PAS was “crystal clear”.

Pointing out how a resolution was passed with regard to this, Azmin said PKR will continue to maintain its working relationship with PAS.

“We believe there is some room for us to work with PAS in Malay areas like Kelantan and Terengganu.

“Certainly we need to discuss this and hopefully we can reach a consensus by the 14th general election.”

‘At least six months of preparation needed’

When asked what would be the cut-off time then, Azmin said it all depends on the date of the election. He is of the opinion that at least six months of preparation are needed before the election.

“Because only then can we go on the ground and prepare the ground work and machinery, get candidates engaged with voters.

“Hopefully (prime minister) Najib (Abdul Razak) can agree with me to postpone the elections,” he quipped.

He however confirmed that seat negotiations have started, including with new party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

Stressing that three-cornered fights must be avoided, Azmin stressed that such fights do not work in the current political landscape

A recent study by the Selangor government think-tank, Darul Ehsan Institute, found that one-to-one fights would benefit the opposition.

The study indicated that the opposition coalition has a 59 percent chance of winning if its parties agree to one-to-one fights in GE14, compared with only a 29 percent chance if they face multi-cornered fights.