Anwar: Harapan will talk to Dr M and Co on Slim polls

SLIM POLLS | Pakatan Harapan will engage Dr Mahathir Mohamad's faction - known informally as "Bersatu Blackout" - on the candidate for the upcoming Slim by-election.

Speaking to reporters in Ampang, Selangor today, PKR president and Harapan head Anwar Ibrahim said the coalition was open to discussions to avoid splitting the opposition vote.

"They sought a meeting (last Thursday)... They may not be in Harapan, but we don't want them to say we won't talk. We'll negotiate first. Our team have met theirs.

"If they want to field a candidate, we have to refer the matter to the Harapan leadership," he said.

Anwar said he expected Harapan's negotiation team to submit their report on Tuesday.

The Slim by-election will be keenly watched because it will be the first proper contest to involve Perikatan Nasional and Harapan, which sat out of the Chini by-election due to Covid-19 concerns.

Anwar's position today appears to signal that Perak PKR's claim over the rights to field a candidate was not final.

Anwar was speaking reporters at the PKR publicity convention today, to prepare the party activist in messaging efforts.

He said that the party was gearing up for snap elections and that similar meetings have been held for Selangor and Negeri Sembilan chapters of PKR recently.

"Although we have the mandate for another three years, we are not taking chances," he said.

PKR information head Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin told reporters that this convention was important to strategise how the party will inform Malaysians about Harapan's successes during its 22-months reign.

"We have good stories to tell. We have to seize this moment to strengthen our message to the people," he said.

Slim by-election: Umno eyeing suitable candidate

Anwar: Misleading to say Harapan already decided to make way to Team Dr M

Slim by-election: No clash between PN parties - Perak MB

EC: Slim by-election on Aug 29