The Malaysian Insight

A GROUP of former PKR lawmakers led by Mohamed Azmin Ali is considering joining Muafakat Nasional.

Azmin, who was PKR deputy president, said the matter of joining the Umno-PAS alliance is under consideration.

“There will be continued discussion. It’s because Muafakat Nasional was formed before Perikatan Nasional.

“The situation before is different from today’s, so there are matters to be discussed,” he said when met in Penang last night.

Azmin, who is international trade and industry minister, was asked whether his faction would join Muafakat Nasional to win the election.

He said all discussions should be held in private.

“I believe the spirit of consensus built within Perikatan Nasional from the beginning of this year until now has proven to be successful. There is no need for us to discuss in the media or on social media.

“We should discuss these matters in private as a sign of respect to our friends in Perikatan Nasional to form a coalition (gagasan) for the people.”

He also urged all parties not to focus too much on politicking.

The statement came amid talk in Umno that the group led by Azmin would not add value to Muafakat Nasional.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu had stated its intention to join the cooperation after Umno declined to join the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last week said the party would instead strengthen the Muafakat Nasional alliance with PAS.

He added that Muhyiddin and Bersatu had asked join Muafakat Nasional.

Umno leaders are also worried that Bersatu, which is seen as lacking in grassroots strength and leadership structure, will burden Muafakat Nasional. – August 2, 2020.