No decision yet on PH-BN pact in state polls, says Saifuddin

 

PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the coalition had also not discussed the type of cooperation it would be seeking in the state elections.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says the coalition has yet to decide if it will work with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state elections.

In a Berita Harian report, Saifuddin said PH was focused on developing and strengthening the working relationship with BN in the unity government.

Elections will be held in six states – Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – next year as they did not dissolve their respective state assemblies in tandem with Parliament’s dissolution ahead of the 15th general election.

“PH’s main focus is to ensure the unity government is working to address various issues that plague the people,” he said.

“As of now, we have not discussed that (working together with BN in the state elections).

“We have also not discussed whether we will form a partnership, understanding or a coalition,” he said during an interview with RTM at Angkasapuri.

Saifuddin, however, did not dismiss the possibility of working together with BN in the state elections.

Apart from their cooperation in the unity government at the federal level, PH and BN have also formed working relationships at the state level. Together, they govern Pahang and Perak.

Saifuddin defends Sosma again

In the same interview, Saifuddin, who is also the home minister, stressed that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) was necessary to tackle organised crime-related cases.

Faced with criticism over his decision not to review the law, Saifuddin defended his stance by stating that it would be difficult to handle organised crime-related cases without Sosma, especially when it involved a large number of arrests related to syndicates committing serious offences.

“The situation needs a law without sacrificing the principle of universal justice. When it comes to organised crime, the situation permits for the law (Sosma) to handle such cases,” he was quoted as saying in a New Straits Times report.

“At this early juncture, we are trying to reach a balance and I have said that I am open to criticism.”

Among those who have urged Saifuddin to reconsider his view is Damansara MP and DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo, who advised the minister to review Sosma as it was “oppressive” and against PH’s stance. - FMT