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The PKR secretary-general said the people could see clearly the cool response shown by PAS to PKR and the way the Islamist party was warming up to Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“For two years, PKR attempted to get closer to PAS, treating it with courtesy. All kinds of efforts and ways were tried. A series of meetings were held involving the PAS mursyidul am (spiritual leader), president, deputy president, vice president, secretary-general and elections director.
“This is the background behind the decision of Pakatan Harapan (PH), of which PKR is a component, to strengthen cooperation within the coalition to face the 14th general election and to put an end to seeking cooperation with PAS,” he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin said he believed PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim would understand and respect the PH decision on the issue of cooperation with PAS.
“Despite the efforts made over a long time, PAS is adamant to go on its own. PKR should prioritise its efforts and energy to help strengthen PH while accepting the fact that PAS has made its choice,” he added.
Anwar, the de facto leader of PKR, had recently issued a statement confirming his agreement for the party to negotiate with PAS despite PH’s decision that the four-party coalition would not work with PAS.
On a separate matter, Saifuddin denied he had resigned as PKR secretary-general.
“I forgive those who created the rumour and then circulated and celebrated it. Clearly, this is an attempt to incite squabbles and undermine stability in PKR and the strength of PH,” he said.
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