Pakatan forms task force to negotiate with Muda, PSM on GE15

KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakatan Harapan presidential council has formed a task force to hold negotiations with Muda and Parti Sosialis Malaysia on potential political cooperation in the upcoming general election (GE15).

In a statement, the council said the committee will include four representatives from all PH component parties, consisting of PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Steven Sim Chee Keong from DAP, Mohd Hasbie Muda from Amanah, and Upko’s Datuk Ewon Benedick.

It said the decision to form the committee came after the council held a meeting today to discuss the membership of Muda and PSM.

“The wishes of Muda and PSM means that these parties are ready to embrace the principles aligned with Pakatan Harapan in harnessing its strengths to face GE15,” the council said.

“At the same time, seat clashes (among opposition parties) in GE15 can be avoided.” 

Yesterday, opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told Malaysiakini that any decisions made regarding the acceptance of new coalition partners must be carefully deliberated to avoid a repeat of Bersatu’s treachery during the infamous Sheraton Move.

Anwar said aside from Muda, PH also received a letter from PSM on possible election cooperation.

Earlier this month, Muda had announced its intention to join the PH coalition while dismissing any cooperation with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s newly established Gerakan Tanah Air coalition. 

In an interview with The Vibes yesterday, Muda deputy president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said her party had always intended to work with PH since the party’s formation.

This comes amid claims that the fledgling party is only now wanting to join the opposition coalition after realising that it might not make a significant impact if it contests on its own, with the 15th general election expected to be called soon.

Amira Aisya, who is also Muda’s election director, said the party has been clear and consistent about wanting to work with PH since its application to the Registrar of Societies in September 2020.

However, it faced several setbacks, forcing plans for formal cooperation with PH to be put on hold. – The Vibes, September 21, 2022