Bersatu at ‘initial stage’ of talks for straight fights against BN

Bersatu says it is ready to cooperate with any political party to ensure straight fights against Barisan Nasional in the 15th general election (GE15).

Without revealing names, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said his party was currently at the initial stage of discussions to offer a “win-win” formula to achieve that objective.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, said an understanding among political parties was important to prevent split votes as seen during the Melaka and Johor state elections.

“… during initial meetings (between parties) there were already encouraging signs. They are prepared to discuss but we haven’t finalised the way or type of understanding to avoid clashes.

“If our objective is important for the country, then the leaders of other parties should be on the same page. They have shown a rather positive reaction but we haven’t fine-tuned what from the cooperation will be implemented,” he told reporters last night.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said last Friday that the coalition was prepared to negotiate and discuss with any political party about cooperation in GE15.

He was responding to a statement by Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub who urged the PH leadership to be open about holding discussions with all opposition bloc parties ahead of GE15.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke however said that the issue of cooperation between PH and PN should not arise as PN was still a part of the government bloc.