Mere discussions - no agreements, says Anwar on merging parties

PETALING JAYA - Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to discussions on merging parties, but it does not mean its a definite yes to the proposal.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim admitted that he met with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin just before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but it was just a mere discussion.

“Yes, Muhyiddin suggested (to merge parties for GE15), but who agreed?

“I have never closed doors to discussions, and discussions do not mean we agreed. I listened to his views – first, he said the opposition will have the strength to defeat Barisan Nasional (BN) (if to merge), to which I agreed.

“The second view was to form a cooperation before the election, and that I have not agreed.

“Even yesterday (Wednesday) I met with DAP Secretary General Anthony Loke and Amanah President Mat Sabu to touch base and nobody in PH agreed to Muhyiddin’s suggestion.

“Our decision remain that we want to strengthen the parties and if possible we want to hold a nationwide tour again,” he told Sinar Daily in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

On claims that Muhyiddin had suggested the merger on a condition that he would be prime minister, Anwar said the former did not state the conditions directly but how it was portrayed.

“The proposal for him to be the prime minister was not raised, and it was not entertained by me during the discussion, including rumours of the merger.

“PH’s decision including leaderships of DAP, Amanah and PKR remained that we will strengthen our parties, secondly to strengthen the bond and cooperation in PH, and third is to discuss with all parties within the coalition,” he said.

Hence, do not say or assume that PH has agreed to collaborate with PN in the GE15.

He added that there should always be discussions in PH to ensure that everyone was aligned.

“I only fight for PH, full stop,” he stated.

Anwar also responded to calls by political experts and watchdogs urging him to step down and make way for younger faces to lead the party.

The PKR president said the calls have been going around for the past two decades and yet, he continued to lead.

He said he needed to make sure the younger leaders were well prepared once he retires.

“What I’ve done is making sure to introduce, give opportunities and provide exposure to the younger leaders in the team.

“I will continue to lead, and the team comprised of significant numbers of young leaders including women, notwithstanding whether they win or lose in the party’s hierarchy there will be adequate participation,” he said.

Anwar said PKR was inclusive and it was probably the only party with an election committee that was led by a woman - PKR Election Committee chairperson Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

It was recently reported that Muhyiddin had a meeting with Anwar, among other party’s top leaderships, to help him regain the PM’s post.

Muhyiddin had proposed the idea of a ‘big tent’ to unite the oppositions against BN in the 15th General Election.

The concept had garnered mixed views from the politicians in the country, with some supporting it as it was seen as the only way avoid splitting votes.

However, some politicians were against the idea citing refusal to work with traitors who had jumped parties following the last election and sparked the Sheraton Move.

The move saw the ousting of the elected PH government and the resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, after 22 months in power.