Anwar: Not in 'big tent' discussion, but won't stop Harapan negotiations

Pakatan Harapan is going to focus on building its strength to face the 15th general election instead of forming alliances with others under the so-called 'big tent' approach, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

However, according to the Harapan chairperson, the opposition bloc is not going to close its doors to other political parties who want to negotiate.

"If you look at PKR statements, this big tent issue has never arisen. To me, it is not relevant. Even DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke recently stressed strengthening Harapan from within.

"I also want to say that we should not be too arrogant too, to the extent that others cannot even discuss with us. But whatever it is, the basis of our strength will still be Harapan," he said in a special interview with Malaysiakini, The Vibes and Sinar Harian earlier today.

Recently, several Harapan leaders, particularly from Amanah, called for the big tent approach in uniting all opposition parties to go against BN and Perikatan Nasional.

Mohamad Sabu

This includes Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, who said that it is necessary to unite the opposition toward winning 15th general election.

Anwar stressed that while he is not exploring the approach, he does not see such effort as a problem for the Harapan coalition.

"As the president of PKR, I am not holding any negotiations, because our priority now is to strengthen Harapan.

"However, I also would not take the approach of rejecting any good effort to hold discussions with others, as long as they follow our agenda," he said.

Anwar cited Harapan's experience working together with Bersatu when it was led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a lesson, saying that the latter had deviated from the coalition's agenda and hurt them.

"If (working together) means we have to compromise our principles, and bow to their leaders, it will not happen.

"But if it is only discussing to build strength, or so that the rivalry between opposition parties does not get so intense, then it is possible. And I do not see this as a big tent."

Candidate for prime minister

Meanwhile, asked whether he will still be Harapan's poster boy, or prime minister candidate for GE15, Anwar said there has been no change.

However, the opposition leader stressed that it is not a matter of importance to them.

Instead, they would focus on bringing changes and convincing the rakyat to vote against Umno and BN.

"The more important thing to do now is to assist the people and convince them that our country needs a political change.

"From what they have seen with Umno and BN, this country has to bring changes to its politics, which have been marred with corruption, abuse of power, arrogance, and narrow racial sentiment.

"This has to be changed with new politics," he said.

Speaking about the upcoming general election, Anwar was also asked whether Harapan will have another manifesto to sell to the voters.

This, especially since its previous manifesto for the 2018 general election had been a subject of mockery after the then, Harapan prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, dismissed it as only a guideline instead of a “Bible”.

Mahathir Mohamad

To this, Anwar said he had always held to the idea that a manifesto should be short and brief, and contain promises that they will definitely fulfil.

However, according to him, the committee that was in charge of formulating the previous general election's manifesto had a different idea.

"I will convey my opinion, that we should simplify our manifesto promises.

"Simplify, shorten it. But, I give this opinion as a member of a group, and it will be looked into by my comrades," he said. - Mkini