Opposition must form ‘solid’ bloc, says Azmin
(The Star) – All opposition parties must come together and form a ‘solid’ bloc before the 14th general election, says Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
“I think we have no choice. We need a strong and formidable force to face Umno and Barisan Nasional in the next elections,” he told reporters after attending the state’s civil servants monthly gathering here yesterday.
Azmin, who is PKR deputy president, said the outcomes of both the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections showed that there was a need for the country’s opposition parties to come together and collectively discuss a common political strategy.
“I have stressed from the very beginning for the need to forge a strong consensus among the parties.
“I believe this has to be looked at again given the results of the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections,” he added.
Azmin urged the Opposition parties to be reasonable as well as open-minded and return to the discussion table as soon as possible to formulate a new strategy for the next general election.
To a question if he would be bringing PAS and its splinter group Parti Amanah Negara together to arrive at a compromise, Azmin did not dismiss the possibility.
“If you ask me, I have to discuss with all the political parties, including local parties in Sabah and Sarawak as well as parties here like PSM to come to the drawing board to discuss how to prepare for the next general election,” he added.
Azmin said he didn’t want to blame anyone for Pakatan’s loss in the two by-elections.
However, he also reminded the opposition parties involved not to blame any other party, the people or the electorate.
Going by comments in the social media, he said, there was a consensus amongst the public demanding for the opposition parties to self-reflect.
Azmin also said losing the elections was not new for the opposition parties.
“We had risen before. Most importantly, we must now rise again. We must be humble as well as reasonable and I hope the parties will listen to what the people have opined,” he added.
