Anwar (middle) gives his thumbs up to supporters as he arrives for the event. On his left is Abang Zulklifli. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Nov 20): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is open to working with Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) in the upcoming 12th State Election, said its president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this is to ensure the opposition has better chance of beating Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) by avoiding multi-cornered fights.
“We are still in the midst of negotiations. But you know, their terms must be reasonable and we always held the position that the opposition must remain united .
“But as a new party, they should also be reasonable in insisting on seats that they have strong basis to claim. So I think, let the process continue. Mainly it is dealt by the Sarawak parties,” he told reporters after launching the PKR Sarawak election machinery at a hotel here today.
Asked on whether there is a deadline for the negotiations, he said: “I am sure there must be a deadline but I still leave it to them. They will advise us on the next course of action.”
He also said PKR has yet to finalise the number of seats to be contested in this election, despite earlier reports quoting PKR Sarawak leaders as saying the party would contest in 47 seats.
“The number of seats is being discussed, and the candidates are to be finalised. We leave it to Sarawak (leaders in PKR).
“I am not sure (when this will be announced) but they will finalise it,” he said.
Anwar was earlier asked to comment on speech made by PKR central committee member Sivarasa Rasiah who said there is still time for PKR to talk to PSB on seat allocation.
Sivarasa, who is Sungai Buloh MP, had said the overlapping of seats which had happened in 2016 state election must be avoided in order to defeat GPS.
To another question, Anwar who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman was confident there will not be a repeat of overlapping of seats between PH components like what had happened in 2016.
“I don’t think there will be a problem. It will not happen again,” he said.
In 2016, PKR and DAP had clashed in six seats which were eventually won by candidates from Sarawak Barisan Nasional (now GPS).
Anwar also said the potential candidates from PKR are now being screened, to prevent amongst others the possibilities of them defecting after winning their seats.
“The lure of money and positions can be so strong that the person can choose to go against aspirations of multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sarawak,” he said.
Apart from Anwar and Sivarasa, others who spoke at the event included PKR Women chief Fuziah Salleh, PKR Sarawak chairman Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh and other PKR leaders.
Anwar and his delegation flew to Miri this evening for a similar party election machinery launching event.