Azmin wants dialogue with BN, but rules out unity gov't

PKR deputy president Mohd Azmin Ali says he supports the ongoing series of Blackout 505 rallies protesting electoral fraud, despite making no direct reference to this in his opening speech to PKR's ninth women's and youth wings annual congress today.

In his speech to more than 800 delegates of both wings in Petaling Jaya today, Azmin merely acknowledged the right to peaceful assembly as a constitutional right and condemned any move to curtail it.

Instead of calling on the members to attend forthcoming rallies, he backed Bersih's call for a People’s Tribunal and legal challenges as the main means of combatting electoral fraud.

“(Bersih co-chairperson) Ambiga Sreenevesan and Bersih’s suggestion to hold a public tribunal should become the people’s platform to show proof and voice opposition to the undemocratic election results.

Azmin on May 10 voiced disapproval of the series of mega rallies, saying that it was too much politicking and the party should get to work instead.

However when asked by reporters during a press conference after his speech, Azmin said he backs the rallies, even though he did not make this explicit in his speech.

“We will continue to support the rallies because we have seen the probe headed by (strategy director) Rafizi (Ramli) has obtained evidence to show the electoral fraud,” he said.

The Gombak MP, who was clad in black, the theme colour of Blackout 505, also challenged the reporters to prove that he had posted any message in his Twitter webpage calling on people not to support the rallies.

“That is untrue. I just said let us move forward, accept the verdict of the people. It does not necessary mean don't attend the rallies.”

Although he has not attended any of the Blackout rallies, Azmin said that did not mean that he was against them.

‘Need to seek common ground’

In his speech today, Azmin also diverged from his party line by urging PKR to seek common ground with the federal government to avoid a protracted conflict. 

“I am of the opinion that all parties need to temper their moral courage to initiate political dialogue and engagement across the political divide. 

“If we claim to serve the people, are patriotic, and put the majority people’s interests ahead of partisan interests, then we need to seek common ground to bring political development in Malaysia,” he said. 

He also cited Prophet Muhammad’s example in the events surrounding the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah to back his call, where negotiations - in spite of his companion’s opposition - helped break an impasse with the Quraish tribe in Mecca. 

“However this Hudaibiyyah treaty helped to start dialogue and engagement that ultimately led to an Islamic victory. We need to work on the Prophet’s wisdom to ensure the people’s victory,” he said. 

This is in contrast to other party leaders, including Anwar, who have continued to attack the BN government in their speeches.

'No way a unity government'

Asked to clarify this later, Azmin said he was not suggesting a unity government with BN and that the dialogue would include members of civil society on general issues, such as the economy and education.

“I took the initiative to suggest this dialogue. This for not a partisan issue but an issue which involves the people's interest and the security and prosperity of the nation.”

He stressed that both BN and Pakatan should engage with each other and deliver their promises to the people before squaring off again in the next general election.

“I'm not talking about a unity government. No way. No unity government. I will be the first one to stop and object to a unity government.”

Asked why would he back the Blackout 505 rally while calling for dialogue, he retorted, “The Blackout rallies are a dialogue too. They are a dialogue with the people.”