Pakatan’s ‘big tent’ approach causes clash of opinions

JOHOR BARU: Pakatan Harapan’s call for a “big tent” approach for Opposition parties have caused a difference of opinion between Parti Amanah Negara’s (Amanah) top two leadership, with Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (pic) saying the door for cooperation with Perikatan Nasional should not be shut.

The Amanah deputy president urged the Pakatan leadership to invite Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and PAS leaders to join their “big tent” movement for the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15), which could happen anytime soon.

“We have a common enemy, which is Barisan Nasional and it is important for Opposition parties to ensure a one-on-one fight against them in GE15,” he added.

Salahuddin, who is also Pulai MP and Simpang Jeram assemblyman, said this in a press conference after organising a breaking of fast with the media at a hotel here on Wednesday (April 20) night.

He admitted that there were efforts made from Pakatan to meet with all Opposition leaders, where the discussions were carried out either in a formal or informal way.

Salahuddin, however, said the discussions should also include Bersatu and PAS to form the “big tent” for the Opposition, which is part of a resolution approved by Pakatan’s presidential council in Port Dickson last year.

He added that even though there were statements made by Pakatan leaders refusing to work with “traitors”, they must look beyond their sentiment.

“It is not wrong for all of us to meet and discuss, as we should not dwell on the past but should move ahead for a better future.

“Opposition political leaders should focus on unity and forgiveness instead of touching on past incidents for the benefit of the people.

“As someone that has been involved in Malaysia’s political scene for more than 40 years, I do believe this can be realised as long as we do not give up with one another,” he said.

He also said that even though the Opposition failed to make inroads in the last three state elections, it does not mean they would fail in GE15.

Salahuddin added the Opposition has a brighter chance of winning if they unite and be able to beat Barisan in a straight fight.

“This can be seen in the Johor election, where if the Opposition bloc worked together, then Barisan could only win 23 seats out of the total 56 seats,” he said.

On Tuesday (April 19), Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said Pakatan was against cooperating with Umno, Bersatu or PAS in GE15 under its “big tent” approach.

“Pakatan will not work with traitors who have betrayed the trust and mandate of the people,” he said in a statement, referring to the three parties.

While it was important for the Opposition to create a united front in the coming elections, he said it was not possible for Pakatan to work under the big tent approach with parties in the ruling government such as Umno, Bersatu and PAS.

He added that the “traitors” included politicians who jumped ship from Pakatan to join Bersatu and Perikatan because of the offers made to them at that time.