Rift deepens in Selangor Pakatan pact over state seat allocations
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Pakatan Harapan secretary Zuraida Kamaruddin yesterday fired a salvo towards the pact’s critics who had claimed the former was not being transparent in the allocation of state seats for the 14th General Election.
She said Selangor Pakatan Harapan, led by PKR, was in the midst of negotiating state seats.
Zuraida said to ensure the negotiation process went smoothly, the Selangor Pakatan Harapan electoral committee, chaired by Seri Andalas assemblyman Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, had convened four times.
“Therefore, I want to clarify the allegation made by Selangor Amanah communications director Jamzuri Ardani, who said no committee had been formed to discuss state seats in Pakatan Harapan.
“It is even more inaccurate when the allegation made (by Selangor Amanah) claimed that a secret negotiation was held within Selangor PKR to bring in Pas to form a new political alliance in Selangor,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Zuraida, who is also PKR Wanita chief, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s commitment to his position as Selangor Pakatan Harapan chairman should not be questioned.
Azmin, who is also
PKR deputy president, had chaired two Selangor Pakatan Harapan meetings, she said.
Zuraida explained that the process of negotiating the state seats within the coalition was complicated and could take time.
In-depth observation, research and consideration at grassroots level were crucial, she said, adding that Selangor Pakatan Harapan would decide on the seats based on candidates’ winnability.
“I hope no one undervalues the efforts Selangor Pakatan Harapan has taken and wilfully allow us to be broken up by BN (and) Umno, who are desperate to seize Selangor (from the opposition pact).
“In facing the mother of all elections, Selangor Pakatan Harapan has to be smart in coming up with strategies and utilise a suitable approach to maintain the state government, which has an excellent administration.”