DAP leader denies possibility of Harapan cooperating with PN

 

DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai has denied that Pakatan Harapan is having plans to cooperate with Perikatan National (PN) for the forthcoming general election, as claimed by former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli yesterday.

Tan (above) told Malaysiakini that it is impossible for Harapan to cooperate with PN.

“Absolutely no such thing. I don’t know where (Rafizi) heard about this.

“There is no need for Harapan to explore such a possibility,” the Cheras lawmaker said.

Tan further explained that PN member Bersatu betrayed the coalition and this led to the Harapan government's collapse, while PAS promoted religious extremism.

“How are we going to cooperate with them?” he asked.

‘Big tent’ approach

After Harapan’s dismal defeat in Johor, calls for a “big tent” approach to unite the opposition parties resurfaced, with Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming proposing to have flexibility in negotiations with other opposition parties, including PN, to avoid the opposition from “killing one another”, as this would benefit the BN.

Ong suggested that Harapan and PN have informal discussions to avoid multi-cornered fights in seats with opposition incumbents.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng echoed the “big tent” approach but disagreed on including PN in the discussion.

In a related matter, Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub stressed that the priority is the opposition and PN is not part of it.

“Any decision, we will discuss with all opposition parties to reach a consensus. But PN is not in the opposition. They are the government,” Salahuddin said.

Rafizi had claimed yesterday that Harapan's presidential council agreed to discuss possibilities to work with the PN in the forthcoming general election.- Mkini