SHAH ALAM, July 14 — An open discussion between parties is welcomed but it is not required to result in cooperation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Commenting on the possibility of Pakatan Harapan (PH) working with other parties such as its opposition Pejuang or former ally Bersatu in the upcoming general election, the Opposition leader said that he would not reject any discussions but stated that opening up a camp is a separate matter.
“I do not want to say we reject discussions but to open a up a camp, that is a different question.
“Discussions are necessary, that is justified, but it is not necessarily a cooperation,” said Anwar in an exclusive interview with Media Selangor on July 4.
Anwar said that the sentiments from the grassroots against working with the two opposing parties are usually negative, which makes the possibility of a cooperation difficult.
The PH chairman also said that negotiation of seats should be based on common policies and principles.
“The sentiment from the grassroots is usually negative if there are no explanations. For example, Pejuang had stated that it would support any parties that win. Yes, that is difficult for me,” he said.
On the proposed “big tent” approach for the 15th general polls, Anwar said that the term is confusing and that the coalition’s component parties — PKR, DAP and Amanah — has to embrace its strength.
“I don’t want to use (the term) ‘big tent’. I would say (we) must embrace our strength.
“The core of PH is still PKR, DAP, and Amanah. The core must be stabalised and strengthened,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that his attempts to reach an amicable agreement with other figures who had been “marginalised” were often disrupted, which then caused tension, worry and betrayal.
He said such betrayal would not occur in PKR unless supported by an outside mastermind.
“We cannot deny that. Sometimes, some of us, in the context of denial, (would be like) ‘oh this is okay, no worries.’
“So that is why we need to pay close attention to the warning of the ‘big tent’. But we also know that in this country’s political system, we should make an effort for negotiations and discussions (with other parties),” said Anwar.
Citing his position as the opposition leader as an example, Anwar said that he has to be ready for discussions with the prime minister on matters pertaining to the welfare of the people.
Despite holding the strongest position within PH, Anwar said he should also be open to call on to discuss with other parties in the opposition bloc to have a common understanding on several issues.
“So, sometimes there is a confusion. There is a difference between Anwar Ibrahim as the PKR president, Anwar as PH chairman, and Anwar as the opposition leader,” he said.
Read Part 2 of the interview on Selangorkini HERE
