Anwar dismisses talk of cooperation with Umno

PETALING JAYA: PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has put a lid on whispers that there had been backroom discussions on the party working with Umno.

He made his stand clear that Umno could play the role of an effective opposition.

“I believe that Umno needs to be a good opposition...

“I have not heard of any collaboration (with Umno).

“There has not been any statement or views from any leaders anywhere on that,” he said.

Anwar felt the rumour must have swirled because he had not taken a hard public stance against the Malay-based party since Barisan Nasional (BN) lost heavily in the 14th General Election that flung Putrajaya’s doors open to Pakatan Harapan.

Almost immediately after the polls, talk was rife that there were negotiations on the possibility of new alliances being formed and that it involved Umno.

The rumours heightened after Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in May that he was authorised by Umno to negotiate with any parties.

In quashing the rumour, Anwar said: “That was merely a rumour because first of all I was never aware of it.

“Perhaps it was also because even in my speeches, I am not too hard (on Umno).

“So some may think it is so because Anwar appears to be) soft on Umno.

“My approach is not making personal enemies with any political figures in the country and this friendly and peaceful approach may have created this misconception,” Anwar said.