ALOR GAJAH, Sept 21 — Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) views the proposed ‘PH Plus’ cooperation for the Melaka state election as more suitable for an electoral understanding rather than a new political coalition, given the limited time left for preparations.
Harapan election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said there was insufficient time to form a new coalition, but an understanding for electoral purposes could still be reached.
“I don't think it would be a coalition, but perhaps a political understanding — more towards an electoral understanding.
“With the limited time available, it is too short to form a coalition. But if it is an electoral understanding, it can still be done,” he told reporters after launching the Masjid Tanah PKR election machinery in Kuala Sungai Baru here last night.
Also present were the prime minister's political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin and acting Melaka PKR State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
Amirudin, who is also the Selangor menteri besar, said discussions on the matter were still at the state level and he needed further details on the outcome of the negotiations before the matter could be referred to the central Harapan leadership.
He said Harapan would consider implementing the proposed form of cooperation if the outcome of the discussions was in line with the coalition's needs and current requirements.
Meanwhile, Harapan also wants Barisan Nasional (BN) to clarify its position on possible cooperation, as there has been no development so far on a meeting between the two coalitions.
Amirudin said Harapan had no problem if BN was not interested in cooperating, but wanted its position made clear so that Harapan could prepare for the upcoming Melaka state election.
“So far, there has been no indication of cooperation, even as we approach the dissolution of the state legislative assembly. Perhaps they are also not interested.
“So, there is no problem if they are not interested; we will just proceed without BN,” he said.
Amirudin said Harapan was prepared for various scenarios, including contesting on its own, forming a new alignment or cooperating with UMNO-BN.
“Whatever happens, as I have said, we are preparing for all scenarios. But Harapan will not simply wait for developments in the negotiations,” he said.
