Anwar Ibrahim confirms PKR negotiations with UMNO

KUALA LUMPUR: Rumours that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is likely to collaborate with UMNO's 'enemies' are getting stronger after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that there have been informal discussions between the two parties.

In an interview with Mingguan Malaysia published on Sunday, the PKR president said that the initial discussions involving the leaders of both parties have shown positive development.

“(Discussions) with the party leadership and it is only an initial discussion. But from this initial discussion, what do I see? It's a positive one. Because we understand them (UMNO) better and they understand us better, ” he said as quoted in the report.

Commenting further, Anwar, who is also the former UMNO deputy president, said that the cooperation is not impossible if it is based on idealism and not just to save the position of UMNO 'minister'.

The Port Dickson MP further explained that the discussion was not a matter of mutual acceptance, but most importantly, a new political narrative that embraced all aspects, including involving the unity of the coalition.

“If this context is understood, then if it is possible for our cooperation, which we did with Amanah and DAP and now with UMNO in this direction, it is not because we want to defend the power and voices of certain parties in UMNO who want to defend the position of their ministers. At all cost, until it can leave the leadership and the spirit of the party's struggle.

"But if they accept this foundation, it is a foundation based on idealism," he said.

Asked whether Anwar was not afraid if the UMNO game was just a political strategy that would consume himself and the party, he said, no decision had been made yet and his party was still giving the benefit of the doubt.

“We see some statements by the UMNO leadership that are a bit more firm in terms of saving the country's economy and rejecting this illegitimate Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

"At the same time, the economic policy that should be pro-people, it should be highlighted, it all seems to be parallel (between these two parties).

"So much so that DAP has taken a softer approach to the possibility of this cooperation in matters that we have agreed on," he added.

In a similar development, the former deputy prime minister also commented on the previous statements of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) component which often labelled UMNO as corrupt, if the cooperation really happened.

According to the 73 -year -old political leader, the prosecutor only made the accusation but it was the judge who handed down the sentence.

“This corruption is punished by the judge, not the prosecutor. This prosecutor only makes accusations, but the judge is punishing. That is, an independent judge (laughs).

"So we have to explain, what is the real issue of PKR-UMNO cooperation," he said.

Therefore, added Anwar, what is more important, is for all parties to understand the real purpose of PKR-UMNO cooperation, including ensuring good government governance.

"Second, the issue of driving the economy or accelerating the process of economic change which is very much needed by the country. So for me if we conspire to save the country, the majority of the Malays and Bumiputeras, then it is permissible. "

"I don't think there is a strong voice against it. For example, Ronnie Liu from DAP, has changed his view slightly.

"I see there is a statement, he said we should be ready to work together as long as we do not abandon principles and idealism,” added Anwar.

In this regard, Anwar assured that he would make an explanation to the grassroots and PKR members to avoid any problems that may arise in the cooperation plan with UMNO.

“On the part of UMNO, of course the UMNO leadership must resolve.

“If it's PKR, I can explain to the grassroots. Until when do we want to be obsessed with the party, as if it is only a party, when the party is actually only a platform or vehicle (intermediary) only,” he said.