PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali has to explain to supporters of the opposition why the party decided to continue its cooperation with PAS, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said today.
He said while Azmin and PKR may have their reasons for doing so, the party would need to come clean with supporters about cooperating with the Islamist party, which had cut its ties with DAP.
“Azmin has his own reasons, but whatever they are, he has to explain to supporters about why he has made the decision to continue the cooperation with PAS,” said Lim in a press conference at his office in Penang today.
Azmin said yesterday PKR wanted PAS to be a part of the new opposition coalition, despite objections from DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).
PKR, he said, arrived at the decision after discussing the matter thoroughly, adding that the party accepted anyone committed to reforms, including PAS.
But Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, said that PAS has become more like DAP’s foe these days, adding that the latter’s stand is clear in not wanting to work with the Islamist party.
“Not only did PAS say it was going to contest in DAP areas, it has also said it would join the ‘red shirt’ rally on September 16.
“They have also expressed their willingness to work with (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib Razak despite the financial scandals of 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion donation.
“But if Azmin feels that PKR can work with PAS despite these things, it is up to him to explain to supporters. But DAP’s stand is clear,” he said.
However, Lim said further discussions between all the parties were needed before a decision was reached on the new opposition coalition.
“We are open to discussions as we are still allies with PKR. We will have to discuss these things in the future.
“What is more important is the interest of the people and the country. We have been consistent with our principle and have fulfilled the trust of the voters,” he added.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) was declared dead in June after delegates at the PAS muktamar approved a motion to cut ties with DAP while remaining in the coalition.
The decision came after DAP announced it would no longer work with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.
The two parties were also locked in a protracted row over hudud, the Islamic criminal law that PAS intends to implement in Kelantan.
Azmin said yesterday that PKR, DAP and PAS leaders should sit together and discuss their situation, as saving the country and the economy hinged on their cooperation.
He added that each party should have the humility to accept views from others with the same goal. – September 9, 2015.
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