Bersatu won’t be part of Pakatan’s ‘big tent’, says Anwar

 

SHAH ALAM: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will not be part of Pakatan Harapan’s “big tent” to face the 15th General Election, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Opposition leader said Bersatu’s role in the collapse of Pakatan’s 22 months administration was a crime that is unacceptable.

“Clearly, the betrayal to the party is very painful, not just me, but the (party’s) sentiments can’t accept this. The sentiments are very strong.

“Someone committed a big crime in terms of struggle and they caused the collapse of a government. Our mandate was betrayed, this isn’t personal,” said Anwar during a press conference after the PKR national congress on Sunday (July 17).

The Pakatan administration collapsed in February 2020 during the “Sheraton Move”, a week-long political crisis that saw the eventual exit of Bersatu and 10 MPs from PKR led by Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

There have been calls for cooperation between Pakatan and Perikatan Nasional led by Bersatu to take on Barisan Nasional in GE15.

However, it was a contentious issue, as it drew criticisms from not just grassroots leaders, but also core Pakatan supporters.

Meanwhile, commenting further on the “big tent” approach, Anwar said the main focus lies on strengthening PKR and Pakatan.

Anwar also said that as an Opposition leader, he has to speak with all Opposition parties.

“But, the ‘big tent’ in forming an understanding with others who have betrayed us and does not represent our reform agenda, cannot be continued,” said the Port Dickson MP.

Newly elected PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who was also present during the press conference also reiterated Anwar’s remarks that the focus now is to strengthen the three parties under Pakatan – PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara.

“We also need a set of coherent policies above everything else,” said Rafizi.

Rafizi also said cooperation is only open to opposition parties that rejected Umno and Barisan.

“We can talk, but that is not our main strategy at the moment.

“PKR and Pakatan’s strategy is to find solutions and make offers, we will not stray from that path.

“The boundaries are spelt out and the terms of reference are clear. God willing, this will prepare us to take on the 15th General Election,” added Rafizi.

PKR’s three-day national congress, which began on Friday (July 15), ended on Sunday (July 17) afternoon. - Star