Attempt to project Harapan-Muda unity ends up with contradictions

 

JOHOR POLLS | An attempt to project unity between Pakatan Harapan parties and Muda in the Johor polls through a joint statement ended up with contradictions instead.

The statement, which carries the logos of Harapan, PKR and Muda, had called for all anti-BN forces to unite by voting for them instead of other opposition parties or Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Muda information chief Luqman Long, when contacted, confirmed the legitimacy of the joint statement but several Johor PKR leaders, including state chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and former state chief Hassan Karim, said they were in the dark and refuted it.

PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil, when contacted, said it was not approved by his party. "Not cleared," he told Malaysiakini.

Meanwhile, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub, when contacted, confirmed the statement was real.

The joint statement had noted that while the Johor polls are seeing a crowded field, most candidates want to see BN defeated.

"While we respect all parties contesting, there needs to be an understanding that splitting the votes of the parties who are opposed to BN will only benefit BN.

"Therefore, if the joint objective of defeating BN in Johor is to be achieved, we humbly propose all to only vote Harapan candidates from PKR, DAP and Amanah, as well as Muda.

"This call is directed not only to Pejuang and Warisan supporters but also PN," it said.

It added that only Harapan and Muda can defeat BN.

Campaigning for the Johor election kicked off on Feb 26 and Johoreans will go to the polls on Saturday (March 12).

Amanah and DAP, which are contesting under the Harapan logo, have made way for Muda in six seats.

However, Muda's negotiations with PKR, which is contesting under its own logo, fell apart. Muda will go up against PKR in Larkin. - Mkini