Kota Kinabalu: Pakatan Harapan (PH) aims to avoid clashes among political allies when contesting seats the coming 17th State Election (PRN17).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is also PH Chairman said the coalition’s priority is to prevent three-cornered fights and unnecessary conflicts so as to promote unity and harmony among the allies.
“Our understanding is that for now, we are trying to secure an arrangement where there is no three-cornered fight or any situation that creates so much difference.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“But if it has to happen, our advice is that we will refrain from entering the battle so as not to cause further divisions,” he said.
Anwar who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President said this after a meet with PKR Sabah leaders and members at Pacific Sutera Harbour, Sunday.
Present were National PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR Sabah head Datuk Mustapha Sakmud and divisions heads.
There are concerns that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates – all part of the Unity Government – may vie for the same seat in some areas the PRN17.
He reiterated PH is working towards a consensus to ensure no overlapping of seats among allied candidates which may cause vote-splitting that would benefit the opposition.
Anwar said discussions are still ongoing to ensure there is full understanding (among the allies).
“We are ready to work closely with both BN and PH, and this is the result of consultations led by the relevant committees,” he said.
On perceptions of a political “love triangle” between the three coalitions, Anwar jested that “love is a beautiful thing — sometimes it comes with a little pain. But that’s what love means.”
On seat allocations, he said the details would be left to the election committee.
Asked if such scenarios could confuse voters, he acknowledged the possibility, especially in constituencies where party clashes might occur.
“Our intention is to ensure that, if necessary, to secure a mutual understanding. That is our priority. But you know in politics, the odds are possible — and sometimes, they are impossible,” he said.
