Top leaders from PKR and Amanah have shot down a proposal for the two parties to merge.

In an immediate reaction to the suggestion by PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin, the party's secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said the idea was "premature."

"Afif has a right to give an opinion, but for me its quite premature. We should give Amanah a chance to spread its wings," Saifuddin told Malaysiakini.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said the idea is not being considered.

"We thought about (joining PKR) before we formed Amanah, but now that we have formed the party, the matter does not arise," Salahuddin said.

Earlier today, Afif had said that the idea of a merger with the PAS splinter group had been mooted in PKR's internal meetings, and that a merger would help strengthen the opposition.

Not offended by proposal

Salahuddin said he was not offended by the proposal, adding that it was normal for the grassroots to voice out their opinions.

"Just because someone says something doesn't mean we have to cut off ties and so on. No.

"The top leaderships of the parties will keep the peace," he said.

The proposal for a merger comes as tensions run high in the opposition, ahead of the next general election expected as early as next year.

PAS has refused to cooperate with both Amanah and DAP, while still maintaining ties with PKR and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

This has raised concerns on whether the opposition can mount a strong enough challenge against the ruling BN government.