Loose alliance could form electoral pact for GE16, says Muhyiddin

 The Bersatu president says Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat must evolve into a 'more meaningful relationship' among like-minded parties.

Muhyiddin Yassin said IPR should be strengthened, not remain a loose arrangement, to better prepare for the upcoming general election.

KUALA LUMPUR:

 The loose Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance must evolve into a “more meaningful relationship” among like-minded parties to stay relevant ahead of the next general election, says Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin said as one of Perikatan Nasional’s deputy presidents, he may bring the matter to the coalition’s top leadership for consideration soon.

“It should not remain a loose arrangement, it must be strengthened, especially in preparation for the upcoming general election.

“Among the options that may be considered is whether IPR could join PN directly or form an electoral pact during the elections,” he said at a breaking-of-fast event with the media this evening.

If discussions progress positively, he said, a larger political alignment of parties sharing similar views could emerge in the near future.

“If that can be done, and I think it is not impossible, then within a short period of time, there will be a coalition of like-minded political parties whose number may even be bigger than Barisan Nasional in the long run,” he said.

Launched on Oct 14 last year, IPR brings together leaders from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, Muda, the Malaysian Advancement Party, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, and Urimai. - FMT