Pahang PKR warns DAP about seat allocation

(The Star) – Pahang PKR fired the first salvo against its coalition partner, reminding the DAP to exercise discipline in the allocation of seats.

State PKR chairman Datuk Fauzi Abdul Rahman said although it was not wrong for the DAP to request for additional seats, it must be done through the proper channels and with “mutual consent”.

Recently, the DAP hinted that the party hoped to contest in Damak, a seat alloted to the PKR, in the coming general election.

In retaliation, Fauzi said: ”We would also want to contest in seats allocated to the DAP but out of respect for one another, we must adhere to the decision of the central leadership.

“The DAP can request for a swap in seats such as giving up its Tanah Rata seat in exchange for Damak.

“We are willing to swap but not give up any of our allocated seats.”

Fauzi, a former deputy minister and ex-Kuantan MP, said Pakatan Rakyat was not an individual party or belonged to certain leaders such as (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim or (Penang Chief Minister) Lim Guan Eng.

He said as such, any important decisions, including the allocation of seats, must be agreed upon by all leaders of the coalition during its central meeting.

In the 2008 elections, PKR contested six parliamentary seats and 13 state seats while the DAP stood in two parliament and seven state seats.

Fauzi said PKR had already finalised potential candidates in all the seats allocated to the party.

On the lack of professionals joining the party as compared to their DAP counterparts, Fauzi brushed it aside, claiming the party had at least five lawyers and three engineers but not enough seats to contest.

On the senior Opposition man who was arrested for suspicion of committing incest, Fauzi said the suspect was not from the party.

“He is not a PKR leader and neither do we have any dealings with him.

“Although he had met me before to discuss seat allocations, nothing was concluded as his party was not part of Pakatan,” he said.