Pakatan Harapan currently has no plans to cooperate with Barisan Nasional after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, according to Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil.
Faiz said the coalition’s immediate priority is to strengthen its own position in preparation for any political developments that may arise after the elections.
‘As of now, there are no plans for cooperation with BN after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections,’ he was quoted as saying.
PH focused on election preparations
Faiz also expressed confidence that Amanah would be allocated winnable seats in the upcoming state polls.
He added that discussions on seat distribution within Pakatan Harapan were progressing smoothly.
His remarks came after recent comments from Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said the coalition was ready for the Negeri Sembilan election and remained open to continuing cooperation with Pakatan Harapan to preserve the unity government in the state.
However, Zahid also said it was still too early to begin formal discussions on electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.
Debate over Johor political cooperation
In Johor, Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he would rather relinquish his position than serve in a state government that included DAP.
His remarks drew criticism from political commentator Tajuddin Rasdi, who accused Onn Hafiz of displaying a ‘racist personality’.
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook also questioned Onn Hafiz’s position, noting that leaders from Barisan Nasional and DAP currently serve together in the federal Cabinet under the unity government.
Onn Hafiz defends his position
Onn Hafiz rejected suggestions that his stance was driven by arrogance or racism, maintaining that it was based on principle and respect for the mandate given to Barisan Nasional by voters.
He said the cooperation between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan at the federal level resulted from the political circumstances following the 15th general election, where no coalition secured a simple majority.
According to Onn Hafiz, Johor’s situation differs because Barisan Nasional received a clear mandate from voters during the previous state election.
