SEREMBAN: The distribution of state assembly seats between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) for the coming state elections must be decided based on principles agreed upon by the unity government secretariat.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said among the principles and parameters that had been agreed upon were that seats won by a certain party would continue to be contested by that same party in the coming state polls.
“When we enter into any seat negotiations, surely there are parameters and principles which must be agreed upon, namely the incumbent seat will continue to be held by the winning party.
“For example, if the seat was won by BN, we will not ask for it as it will certainly cause problems.
“For seats not won by either PH or BN, then we will negotiate, like in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.
“Of course, there will be negotiations between PH and BN. That has been agreed upon,” he said after officiating the DAP state polls preparation retreat here today.
Loke, who is also the Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman, was commenting on Negeri Sembilan BN’s request for two additional seats from PH in the coming polls.
He added that the seat distribution between PH and BN in the six states facing the polls should not be turned into polemics and the wishes and views of all parties must be referred to the central leadership.
“We respect all views. Everyone can give their views. Every party has its wishes but, ultimately, decisions must be based on shared principles.”
He also said there was no issue of any party being offended. All parties must be open to any decision made by the central leadership, he added.
Meanwhile, during his speech at the retreat programme, Loke, who is also Seremban MP, said PH and BN needed to cooperate with each other to win in the state polls. - FMT
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