Following PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli's allegations against her, Ambiga Sreenevasan said she did not anticipate to be caught in the middle of the mudslinging between its leaders.

However, she said the Pandan lawmaker's remarks underscored the point she had been making about the infighting in PKR.

Refusing to dwell on the matter or respond to Rafizi, Ambiga reiterated that it is unacceptable for PKR leaders to be assailing each other with the general election around the corner.

In a statement this evening, the National Human Rights Association (Hakam) president noted that Pakatan Harapan promised Malaysians a fresh and new democracy where the rule of law would be restored and where fundamental liberties would be upheld.

“Freedom of speech (which includes hearing what you do not like) is one of the most important. We need to be assured that Harapan remains true to these ideals not just in word, but also in deed.

“This is one of the most difficult tests but it is also one of the most telling. Listening to, and respecting dissenting views is vital to a true democracy.

“Taking into account the views of others and sometimes reviewing decisions made in the interests of the people is a sign of maturity. Behaving as if other stakeholders have no say is not,” she added.

Country above self

Ambiga also said Harapan must show that it is capable of putting the country above individuals or parties.

“We need to know they can put differences aside for the greater good. And they need to know that the Malaysian dream does not just belong to them. It belongs to the people.

“Don't get me wrong. We appreciate all the work done and challenges faced in the past years by all the opposition MPs, including Rafizi.

“But for them to tear each other apart on the eve of elections is not acceptable,” she added.

The former Malaysian Bar president once again expressed her reservations regarding three-cornered fights in the general election.

“To see a strategy of three-cornered fights being promoted when it has never worked before is also worrying.

“To see a lack of work on the ground is of concern. We must have one goal and one goal only. Change must come in GE14. Not GE15 or GE16, but GE14,” she said.

Time is drawing near

In view of this, Ambiga urged Harapan to close ranks and rise to the occasion.

“They have to capture the imagination and the hearts of the people the way (Harapan's predecessor) Pakatan Rakyat did.

“All our hopes and aspirations lie in bringing change in GE14. Time is drawing close. Hard work is needed. The rakyat is ready,” she said.

The Malay Mail Online had quoted Rafizi as claiming that Ambiga was against Harapan from the onset after she had criticised the opposition for bickering in the open.

The PKR leader described her remarks as "unfair, biased and misinformed".

Differences in PKR boiled over with regard to whether the party should continue engaging PAS to form an electoral pact.

Rafizi is of the opinion that such negotiations undertaken by PKR deputy president Azmin Ali should be stopped and Harapan must prepare for three-cornered fights in the coming polls.

Last week, Ambiga told Malaysiakini that three-cornered fights could see BN reclaiming its two-thirds majority in Parliament.