Amanah no.2 breaks ranks with party boss over talks with Bersatu, PAS

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub has urged opposition leaders to include Bersatu and PAS in their discussions for a “big tent” approach ahead of the 15th general election (GE15), in a departure from the stand taken by party president Mohamad Sabu that parties from Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) be excluded from any such talks.

Salahuddin, who is also vice-president of Pakatan Harapan (PH), said opposition leaders should “forgive and forget” in opening the door to discussions, to ensure a united front against BN.

“If we succeed in uniting the opposition under a single understanding, we will be able to win at GE15,” he was quoted by Berita Harian as telling reporters in Johor last night.

“If we do not reach an agreement, we will be shattered. So I hope that we will be able to something, and that Amanah itself will always adopt a proactive and progressive attitude in charting a new form of politics as quickly as possible before GE15.”

Just three days ago on April 18, Mohamad said that any cooperation among political parties under the “big tent” approach should not take into consideration those from BN or PN.

“It does not include alliances or cooperation with parties in the government, whether Umno, Bersatu or PAS,” he said, adding that there was “no way” that PH would work with “traitors” whom he said comprised those who had jumped ship to Bersatu and PN.

But Salahuddin said the opposition would need to think of a pact that would allow a straight fight with BN, adding that talks between PH, Bersatu and PAS should be held sooner rather than later.

“We could talk now, opening our doors as wide as possible,” the Pulai MP said.

“We do not need to make a decision at the moment. We just need to meet and talk. If before, we were not friends, we do not need to continue our enmity.”