Zaid picks Nik Aziz to chair Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia

(The Malaysian Insider) – The opposition bloc should name Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat to be chairman of the Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia to foil any further attempts by Umno to have “unity government” talks with PAS, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said today.

The maverick politician also wondered aloud why none of the three parties making up the Pakatan have mentioned the coalition except to clarify that he is the pro-tem chairman.

Writing in his blog today, Zaid also asked the coalition to review its ambitious plans to capture the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak and instead asked them to support local parties there.

He also confirmed The Malaysian Insider’s report that the Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia submitted its registration on Nov 3.

“To make these efforts a success,

READ we need ‘sacrifices’ from Anwar Ibrahim. Abdul Hadi Awang can also make a big contribution by asking Tok Guru Nik Aziz to be the leader or chairman of Pakatan Rakyat, just like Mahatma Gandhi was spiritual leader to the Congress Party,” said Zaid, referring to the leaders of PKR and PAS who are seen as less popular than respected PAS spiritual leader.

He also said veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang could prove his “statesmanship” by agreeing to his suggestion and to be adviser for democratic and human rights affairs.

“In one stroke, this will silence any agenda for a ‘unity government’ with Umno,” Zaid stressed.

The head of the Pakatan Common Policy Platform secretariat also asked for a review of the bloc’s push to win Sabah and Sarawak.

“Political reality shows it is a heavy effort and we have seen negative reaction with the tussle for seats like in the 2008 general election.

“Political wisdom also shows its better for Pakatan to play its role by supporting parties that are in tune with it in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said, adding that step would show respect to the locals and make them equal partners in the coalition.

“Isn’t this more realistic?” he asked.

“Only a grand coalition like this can overcome the Barisan Nasional giant,” Zaid said.

On the flip side, he said capturing Putrajaya would remain a daydream if the leaders of the three parties felt they were strong enough and wanted to continue using old ways such as electoral pacts to form the federal government.

Saying he hoped not to offend anyone, Zaid noted the important issue was to achieve change and it will not happen if the allies only prioritised their parties and positions.

“They are not change agents. This group only wants power for themselves.

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