Enough time and effort spent on discussion
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is prepared to contest in both the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections since PKR's negotiations with PAS has hit a brick wall.
Amanah communication director Khalid Samad said the party also believes it would be difficult for PKR to contest in the polls and is therefore willing to field candidates to represent Pakatan Harapan instead.
He also thanked Selangor DAP for its open support to Amanah to contest in Sungai Besar.
Though lauding the attempt by certain PKR leaders to negotiate with PAS to ensure straight fights with BN in the two seats, he pointed out that the talks had failed.
Khalid said this is because PAS remained firm in its decision not to budge from what it considers as its traditional seats.
"So Amanah suggests that PKR accepts the fact that PAS will not withdraw and shift the focus towards strengthening Pakatan Harapan's challenge in the two seats.
"Enough time and effort have been spent on discussing with PAS.
"Everyone knows that PAS has rejected this move and so the three-corner fights which will ensue is not because of Pakatan Harapan," he told a press conference in Parliament.
The Shah Alam lawmaker urged for the Pakatan Harapan presidential meeting to be held soon to decide on which party would represent the opposition coalition in the by-elections.
Meanwhile, Khalid said Amanah expected that PAS would not give in.
"PAS is confident of winning both seats on its own strength without assistance from others. So for them to withdraw will be akin to admitting that PAS is not strong," he added.
Furthermore, he said PAS is aware that Amanah, which is a splinter of the Islamic party, is prepared to contest against them in the two seats.
"The by-elections are seen by PAS as a golden opportunity to prove that Amanah does not have support or traction with the people, especially Malay voters.
"It is also common knowledge that Amanah is prepared to face PAS in the two by-elections. So if PAS withdraws, it will be seen as proof that PAS fears Amanah," he added.
Nomination day for the two by-elections is on June 5 while polling has been fixed for June 18.
In the last general election, BN captured the seats with small majorities, and this time around, the contests are touted as a litmus test for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in view of the allegations surrounding him.
PKR, however, fears that a three-corner fight would split votes in favour of the ruling coalition.
The by-elections were called following the deaths of Noriah Kasnon (Sungai Besar MP) and Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad (Kuala Kangsar MP).
The two were among six people who perished in a helicopter crash during the recent state election campaign period in Sarawak.
Source from MKini
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