Prominent economist Jomo Kwame Sundaram urged the opposition to explore the possibility of working together in the forthcoming general election (GE15) despite their differences.
This can be achieved through an electoral understanding without resorting to a more time-consuming electoral pact - or to the extent of inking an electoral agreement, he opined.
He, however, pointed out that the challenge before them was that some in the opposition itself were aimed at dividing them.
Jomo, a former member of Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration, said the opposition needed to set aside their differences in order to form a united front.
"Of course, there are some within the opposition who harbour an intention to split the opposition.
"Apart from these people, those who are genuine should find a way to unite the opposition and this can be achieved via an electoral understanding.
"If they are serious about giving a choice to the people and community, they should work together and respect differences to ensure a victory and offer an alternative to the people,” he told Malaysiakini when commenting on the possible cooperation between the opposition parties to face GE15.
Yesterday, PKR communication director Fahmi Fadzil clarified that his party has no intention of cooperating with Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Currently, Harapan was in discussion with Muda and PSM for a cooperation in facing the upcoming polls.
On Wednesday, political analyst Mohammad Agus Yusoff suggested that Harapan, PN, GTA, Muda and Warisan to form an electoral pact, instead of the controversial big tent.
Agus warned that failure to form a united front would cost them the election, and the parties would only have themselves to blame if this happens.
Acknowledging that the formation of a political pact or coalition requires a lot of time as it needs a consensus among the parties, Jomo said an electoral understanding is more viable at this point in time.
"There are several types of electoral understanding, the highest one is an electoral pact or agreement but time has run out.
"So they should set aside their differences and of course, everyone has their own differences," he stated.
On that note, former Kuala Terengganu MP Syed Azman Syed Ahmad Nawawi reminded the opposition parties that they only have three weeks to reach a common formula to face GE15.
Syed Azman said it was not impossible for BN to reclaim Putrajaya if the opposition failed to find a solution regarding the electoral alliance between themselves.
"If the election is held in three weeks and the opposition fails to arrive at an electoral pact, it is likely that the kleptocrats from Umno will govern the country again," said the former PAS leader.
Elaborating further, Syed Azman said the country has been mired in political turmoil, coupled with an election which would be held in a hurry and it was worrying.
However, he acknowledged that there were mixed reactions to the big tent concept - where some opposed it and others supported it.
"But we are not seeing anything (fruitful result) on the big tent concept itself," he said.
Voicing his concern for the future of the country, Syed Azman said political leaders should prioritise saving the country.
"Political leaders should think about how to resolve problems triggered by the economic fallout and political crisis.
"Since the last election four years ago, there has been no end to politicking.
"The people are suffering and why aren’t our political leaders looking at the matter from that perspective?” he asked. - Mkini
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