Azmin says Harapan open to discuss with PSM

Whether its Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) or Pakatan Harapan components that make the first move, Harapan vice-president Mohamed Azmin Ali today said any discussions between the two parties should be seen as a positive development.

"Don't need to ask who should start first. Most importantly, if both parties agreed (to discuss), that is a positive development," the Selangor menteri besar told reporters in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, today.

Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, said this when asked whether PSM should have approached Harapan for discussions on seat negotiations, or whether the federal opposition pact would be willing to make the first move as part of its aim to present a straight fight against Barisan Nasional...

PSM central committee member S Arutchelvan had yesterday claimed that Harapan, since its formation, has yet to reach out to his party for any negotiations ahead of the upcoming 14th general elections.

"If they (Harapan) think we are an important ally, they should talk to us," Arutchelvan (left in photo) said at a press conference during which he was announced as PSM's candidate for the Hulu Langat parliament seat, along with newcomer Nik Aziz Afiq as a candidate for the Semenyih state seat.

At the same time, PSM in its press statement, however, stated that it is
"prepared for an electoral pact or cooperation in areas where the party is contesting to avoid three-cornered fights."

Azmin, who acknowledged PSM's rights to field its candidates, also reiterated Harapan's readiness to engage with any parties that share its aspirations for change.

"We take an open approach to discuss with all parties that hold on to principles of reform.

"Be it PSM or any other parties working towards reform and change. (So long as) non-Umno, we are ready to talk," he said.

PSM has previously announced that it will be contesting 20 seats in GE14, comprising five parliamentary seats and 15 state seats, arguing that it makes up less than three percent of the total number of seats up for grabs.

In the previous two general elections, PSM formed an alliance with the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat, with some of its candidates including party president Dr Nasir Hashim contesting under a PKR ticket.

Nasir won the Kota Damansara state seat in 2008 but lost it to Umno's Halimatul Saadiah Borhan in 2013 due to what has been described as a "betrayal" of PSM's agreement with Pakatan Rakyat.

While contesting on a PKR banner in 2013, Nasir was suddenly confronted with an opponent from PAS, who was PKR’s partner in Pakatan Rakyat at that time.- Mkini