Amanah turns down idea to merge with PKR

Amanah has declined suggestions to merge the party with its coalition partner PKR.

“Yes,” said Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub (above), when asked whether it is true the party has turned down the idea.

He added there is no need to consider the proposal because the issue “never arose”.

According to him, Amanah has never received proposals from anyone on that matter, including from within Amanah and the party grassroots.

“If there is, then we can take it into account and discuss it.

“I don’t even know where this is coming from,” said the Pulai MP.

Political analyst Wong Chin Huat previously proposed a PKR-Amanah merger following Pakatan Harapan’s defeat at the Malacca state election.

The merger would make the combined party the largest Harapan party in the Dewan Rakyat, thus nullifying accusations that Harapan is dominated by DAP.

Former Selangor PKR youth chief Najwan Halimi welcomed the proposal, saying it could alleviate a lack of leadership in various levels of PKR.

Yesterday, Free Malaysia Today reported that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal to merge the parties had been made before but was never discussed.

Anwar, who is also the Harapan chairperson and opposition leader, did not disclose any specific details of the proposed merger.

But when asked on the matter, Salahuddin said he is unaware whether Anwar had received the proposal from anyone. - Mkini