Pejuang has closed the door on ‘big tent’, says Dr M

 

Pejuang will not collaborate with DAP, Amanah or even PKR, says its chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

PETALING JAYA: Pejuang has closed the door on discussions with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) about the “big tent” approach ahead of the next general election (GE15).

Pejuang chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this was due to differing views among the various coalition partners and the lack of clarity regarding public support for these parties, Sinar Harian reported.

“For example, many Malays cannot accept DAP. So if we bring in DAP, then many Malays will reject us,” said the former prime minister.

“So, we will not collaborate with PH, whether with DAP, Amanah or even PKR.

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“We only want to work with people who are not involved in politics and do not arouse feelings of hatred towards them,” he said.

The “big tent” term is used to describe PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s preference for uniting all opposition parties against Barisan Nasional ahead of GE15.

Mahathir had said last month that the “big tent” approach would be viable if it were not led by either PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim or PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, accusing them of working for their self interests.

It was also reported that Mahathir said he did not think it was likely that GE15 would be held in the near future because of the failure of the parties within the government to reach a consensus on the date.

“Some want early elections, some want later. So, as long as they cannot reach an agreement to hold elections, they cannot dissolve the government,” he said.

“Therefore, I think that there will be no GE15 in the near future. After all, Budget 2023 has not been approved yet.” - FMT