Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed speculation that Bersatu could be seeking to join the coalition, saying there are currently no indications that such a move is being considered.
The speculation intensified after PAS announced on Monday that it was ending its political alliance with Bersatu, nearly three weeks after PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang accused the party of straining relations between the two allies.
Responding to questions on claims that Bersatu might be looking to enter Pakatan Harapan, Anwar said there were ‘no signs of that so far’.
Cooperation should be built through proper negotiations
Anwar, who is also the prime minister, said political cooperation should not be driven by sudden changes in alliances or relationships between parties.
‘We discuss matters properly, we negotiate properly, and we cooperate properly,’ he told reporters at the conclusion of his official visit to Japan.
He added that Pakatan Harapan should not be involved in any arrangement that could be perceived as betraying its partners in the unity government.
Unity government remains stable
The PKR president also said the unity government continues to remain strong at the federal level despite differences of opinion that may arise in certain states.
His remarks come amid renewed attention on Bersatu’s political direction following developments involving its relationship with PAS.
Bersatu previously denied any discussions
On May 28, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said there had been no formal or informal discussions within the party about rejoining Pakatan Harapan.
Tun Faisal also said it would not make sense for Bersatu to align itself with the coalition again after playing a significant role in the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government in February 2020.
