Informal PKR-Umno talks on six state elections ongoing, says Rafizi

 

Informal talks between PKR and Umno are ongoing ahead of the six state polls that must be called by June, according to PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

Speaking to reporters in Kuala Terengganu, Rafizi said, however, the talks so far are limited, with leaders from both parties getting to know each other without touching on any principle matters to face the elections.

"It (talks about state polls) has yet to formally start.

"What is happening now is informal, meaning what is going on in each state," said Rafizi as quoted by Bernama.

In Terengganu, Rafizi said state PKR chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, also a party vice-president, has met with Terengganu Umno chief Ahmad Said.

In GE15, Perikatan Nasional through PAS won all eight parliamentary seats in Terengganu, two of which were previously held by Umno. There are 32 state seats, 22 held by PAS and 10 by Umno.

Discussion with leadership

Rafizi, who is also the economy minister, was earlier present to launch the Terengganu PKR election convention held at the Islamic Civilisation Park, Kuala Terengganu.

He added that any decisions made, including on seat distributions and the use of logo, will first be discussed by the leadership of respective parties at the central level.

Following the formation of a unity government at the federal level, former political rivals Pakatan Harapan and BN had for the first time cooperated during the Padang Serai and Tioman polls held on Dec 7 last year - both seats in which their respective candidates lost to PN, which is now a federal opposition.

Separately, Bernama quoted PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang as saying that his party will make its own decision on a date to dissolve three state assemblies under its rule - Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah.

Hadi said the matter will be decided in a meeting to be held between Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob and Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

"We will have our own decision, the matter will be decided at an upcoming meeting," Hadi told reporters after attending PN supporters function in Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan today.

He reportedly said it will be up to the other three Harapan-led states - Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang - to follow PN's date once it has been decided. - Mkini