Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the opposition today to close
ranks after their stunning defeat in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar
by-elections, insisting there was still time to work on their weaknesses before
the next general election.
The jailed PKR de facto leader in a message from prison did
not offer details but said it was necessary for the opposition to “pull
together” if they wanted to present themselves as a viable alternative to
Barisan Nasional (BN) at the federal contest.
“The opposition must look at this electoral outcome with
humility, and take a hard look at our weaknesses,” he said, referring to the
recently-concluded by-elections.
“This is no time for excuses or blame,” Anwar added.
The opposition front had entered the twin June 18 contests
in a fractured state; a breakdown in negotiations saw Pakatan Harapan’s Amanah
and PAS clash head-on in multi-cornered fights with BN.
The results were catastrophic for the two opposition
parties, with BN emerging victors in both Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar,
taking the seats with even larger vote margins than in Election 2013.
After the polls, the unrest on the opposition front
continued, both sides blaming one another for the split in the opposition vote.
The results also fueled analyst predictions that without a
unified opposition front, BN would easily return to power in Putrajaya in the
14th general election expected in two years.
Anwar said this may not necessarily be true, although he
admitted that it would not be an easy task to defeat BN.
“To do so, we must all pull together,” he said. “If we stand
united and determined for the sake of the rakyat, we will prevail.”
Anwar also urged the opposition to end their quarreling and
concentrate on the fight against BN.
“Remember constantly that it is our moral duty to provide
genuine alternative to the people.
“Put aside all differences, put aside internecine quarrels.
Bring up grievances in the proper forum; sit together and resolve matters,” he
said.
Source –Malay Mail Online-
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