An Amanah division leader has dashed any plans for PKR to absorb the party through a merger, describing it as both a dream and a joke.
Amanah Bukit Bintang chief Ahmad Asri Talib in a statement cited Harapan's loss in the recent Malacca state elections and laid the blame on PKR.
"The dream for Amanah to be absorbed into PKR is a joke. How can it be possible for Amanah that is increasingly accepted by the people to be 'eaten up' by a weakening PKR.
"Amanah's leadership including (Malacca Harapan chief) Adly Zahari who won in Bukit Katil has become an icon for Harapan, recognised as the coalition's chief minister candidate if it had won the state election," said Asri.
Instead of pushing for a merger, Asri instead suggested that Harapan evolve into a grand coalition or a "big tent" approach beyond its current partners, Amanah, PKR and DAP as well as Warisan under Harapan Plus.
He said the bigger coalition could look to embrace newer parties set up after the 14th general elections, including Bersatu-splinter Pejuang and Muda.
"All Harapan parties must be rid of the 'big brother' and 'big head' attitude as it brings about no benefit, and in fact caused losses to Harapan," said Asri.
In taking swipes at PKR, Asri said Harapan's loss in Malacca was due to failure in securing support from the Malay-dominated areas, as well as resistance from younger voters.
Earlier this week, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said the party has declined suggestions for a merger with PKR.
He added there is no need to consider the proposal because the issue “never arose”.
Political analyst Wong Chin Huat previously proposed a PKR-Amanah merger following Pakatan Harapan’s defeat at the Malacca state election. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.