Pakatan still haggling over seats

‘PKR unwilling to give in to Pribumi’s request’

KLANG: With the general election looming, Selangor Pakatan Harapan is still haggling over seat allocation in the state.

Sources said PKR and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia are still at each other’s throats over certain seats.

“Despite having lost in the previous elections, PKR is not willing to give up some of its seats as requested by Pribumi.

“PKR is worried that if the party gives up too many seats, it may lose control of Selangor after the polls,” said a Pakatan insider.

He said the matter was made worse as “a top state leader from PKR and DAP” were not on talking terms.

“Given this, PKR cannot allow itself to be the weakest link with the least number of seats as other parties in the coalition may join forces and take over the state administration,” he added.

There is also concern within PKR that Pribumi is eyeing the Selangor Mentri Besar post with the support of DAP.

The insider pointed out that during the Pakatan convention last year, a joint declaration was only signed by state chiefs of Pribumi, Amanah and DAP.

When contacted, several state PKR leaders, who declined to be named, claimed they were not consulted on the signing of the joint statement.

Selangor Amanah chairman Izham Hashim said they were looking into contesting about 12 or 13 seats against PAS.

“But seat allocations are not finalised as we are still negotiating with PKR and Pribumi.

“If there is a deadlock, we may have to refer to the national leadership for a decision,” he said, adding that the list must be drawn up by next week.

State PAS commissioner Sallehen Mukhyi said the party would be contesting in 42 seats.

Based on the recent turn of events, Selangor Pakatan chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali appeared to have a fallout with other state coalition chiefs.

Azmin reportedly accused Amanah of lying about the issue of seat negotiations. Izham then retorted, calling Azmin a “joker” and not fit to lead the state and the Opposition front.

Meanwhile, Amanah communications director Khalid Samad pointed out that the election committee and seat negotiation committee were two separate entities.

“Each committee has its own terms of reference and scope of duties,” said Khalid, the Shah Alam MP.

Khalid called for a ceasefire, saying the focus should be on resolving the dispute over seat allocations.