Save country, set aside differences, Anwar urges Opposition parties

Former Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim called on the opposition to set aside their differences and work together for the people on the eve of the opposition roundtable gathering tomorrow.

Anwar said the concerns of the people especially in the current economy climate, should be the focus of the opposition.

"From this prison, I sense the anxiety and concerns of the rakyat on the economy and fall in value of the currency, the increase in racial rhetoric, and the continuing 1MDB scandal which remains unresolved.

"In this critical situation, we must set aside differences and move forward to forge a viable, just and democratic alternative to the current government," he said in a statement through his lawyers today.

The new Pakatan Rakyat, dubbed as Pakatan Rakyat 2.0 have been in talks after PKR, PAS and DAP split earlier this year.

However the constant friction between DAP and PAS as well as PAS and its splinter Amanah had made it impossible to reach a consensus.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (photo) even said his party will not cooperate with a party that has betrayed Islam, as they are “traitors” and “worse than enemies”.

Hadi in video clip posted on PAS’ Facebook last week, was likely referring to Parti Amanah Negara, although he did not mention names.

Bad blood

DAP leaders Ramkarpal Singh on the same day said they would not join the new Pakatan with PAS as there is too much bad blood between the parties.

Only PKR has stated it is willing to work together with all the other parties.

Anwar however remains optimistic of the meet.

He said that the new opposition coalition is an important preliminary step in forging a representative, participatory and inclusive alliance of political parties, NGOs and personalities, to bring much-needed change to the country.

"The aim of the gathering is not simply to forge a political alliance; ours is a greater endeavour to save the country by uniting all forces committed to reform, justice and the rule of law," he declared.

Meanwhile PKR President Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail met DAP leaders, Lim Kit Siang, Teresa Kok and Liew Chin Tong today in a closed door meeting.

In a statement, Wan Azizah (photo) said that the meeting today was to discuss important matters including the future of their political goals and cooperative framework, as well as make preparations for the roundtable meet tomorrow which will be joined by PAS, Amanah and other NGO leaders.

"I am convinced that tomorrow's meeting will bring a better, stronger political consensus in line with people's hope of a harmonious and strong Opposition, which in time can defeat Umno/BN," she said. -Mkini