Pakatan’s door not entirely shut
Ex-Barisan members welcome but subject to council consensus
SHAH ALAM: There is still a chance for parties or individuals to join Pakatan Harapan after leaving Barisan Nasional, its vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said.
“Everyone has the opportunity to join another party as this is what democracy is all about.
“However, their entry is subject to consensus by Pakatan’s presidential council as what had been agreed upon by its leaders,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya open house hosted by Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad at Stadium Shah Alam yesterday.
Salahuddin, who is also Parti Amanah Negara deputy president, however cautioned that Pakatan would not rush or be too hasty in allowing those leaving Barisan into Pakatan’s fold.
He said those who had left Barisan must make clear their stand.
Salahuddin, who is Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister, was asked to comment whether Pakatan would welcome Gerakan into its fold following the party’s announcement on Saturday that it was leaving Barisan.
Earlier yesterday, Bagan Serai MP Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali announced he had quit Umno and Barisan.
Dr Noor Azmi said he would serve as an independent MP but pledged support for Pakatan and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He hopes to eventually join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, an offshoot of Umno.
On a separate matter, Salahuddin said every Malaysian was entitled to justice and a fair trial.
He noted the law must be allowed to take its course in the case involving the arrest and detention of activist lawyer Siti Kasim.
Selangor CID chief Senior Asst Comm Fadzil Ahmat clarified that police had acted against the activist based on a police report against her.
The Kajang magistrate’s court yesterday rejected an application by police to remand her.