Amanah is ready to face any possibility, including three-cornered contests, in the upcoming Malacca and Johor state elections if BN chooses not to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan.
Amanah communications director Khalid Samad said party machinery preparations would begin immediately to confront the political reality if seat negotiations between the two coalitions within the unity government fail to reach an agreement.
“For Amanah, we continue to hope that the sincerity shown by Harapan in cooperating will be appreciated and will shape BN’s decision.
“But at the same time, Amanah will mobilise its machinery starting now to face the possibility of three-cornered or even two-cornered contests if BN follows (Dr) Akmal (Saleh)’s madness.
“This is not a warning or a challenge - it is merely a statement of fact,” Khalid (above, left) said in a statement today.
Akmal previously said that for the sake of Malay unity, he was inclined to support Umno-PAS cooperation in elections, even though PAS did not win any seats in the state.
In a Facebook post responding to Khalid, Akmal said, "When we give our views for our own party without touching on other people's parties, we are labelled 'mad'.
"What did I do wrong to be called that? May Allah SWT grant everything good for 'pakcik' (uncle) Khalid Samad," said the Merlimau assemblyperson.
‘Tok Mat mature, sincere’
In his statement, Khalid also described Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan's response to the status of seat negotiations as mature and sincere.
He said Mohamad had calmly explained that a decision on whether to work with Harapan or go solo had yet to be finalised, which was far better than previous statements.
“Such an answer from Tok Mat (Mohamad) is far more mature and sincere.
“Amanah hopes cooperation within the unity government can be maintained for the sake of the country, but acknowledges that the choice lies in BN’s hands,” said Khalid.
Mohamad had previously been reported as saying BN had yet to make any decision on political cooperation with any party ahead of the Malacca and Johor state polls.
According to him, it is still too early to discuss seat allocations among parties.
“The decision on a political cooperation formula depends entirely on the party’s top leadership.
“So far, BN has not made any official decision. Discussions with external parties will only take place after the party reaches an internal consensus.
“If the party chooses to move solo, I am ready to accept that mandate,” Mohamad said.
'Strange - no coercion, no bullying’
However, Khalid, a former federal territories minister, was puzzled over BN’s apparent hesitation to continue the cooperation, noting that relations formed after the 15th general election had been harmonious and free from coercion.
“Throughout our cooperation in the unity government, Harapan has never practised bullying politics or betrayed its allies.
“There is no reason for BN to reject this cooperation. It is rather strange that BN still hesitates to continue it, as there has been no betrayal or coercion throughout our partnership.
“It would be different if we were like PAS and PN, who are well known for betrayal and coercion,” he added.
Khalid also cited advice he received while detained under the now-repealed Internal Security Act (ISA) to describe BN's current political situation.
“I am reminded of what an ISA officer once told me during my detention: ‘The knife is in your hand, and the fruit is in your hand - whether you slice it nicely or chop it up is your choice.’
“That is BN’s situation now,” he said.
BN and Harapan cooperated in six state elections in 2023 using an incumbent-seat formula.
However, if the same formula is applied, Amanah would only receive one seat in Malacca (Bukit Katil) and one in Johor (Simpang Renggam). - Mkini
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