Azmin backs Pribumi’s ‘Barisan Rakyat’ idea, says need for grand coalition

(MMO) – Selangor mentri besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali today welcomed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s idea for an opposition coalition called “Barisan Rakyat” to contest in the next general election.

The PKR deputy president said a “grand coalition” is necessary for opposition parties to enter the 14th general election as a unified front.

“Principally, of course the Opposition parties need to create what I would call a grand coalition to face the coming 14th general election.

“And this stems on the need for one-on-one fight in facing BN in the upcoming general polls,” he said, adding that a name for such a coalition is yet to be decided, though netizens have picked Barisan Rakyat.

“No, no. We have not decided the name but certainly the coalition is paramount. I think we need to sit down and discuss to strengthen the coalition of Opposition parties for the next election.,” he added.

Azmin said that such a coalition would also need authorities approval.

“I remember in the past, when we submitted our proposal for Barisan Alternative, we have not not received any indication from them till now. But we will push towards that objective,” he said referring to a coalition made up of those opposing BN.

News portal Malaysiakini also reported Pribumi pro-tem vice-president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as suggesting the name “Barisan Rakyat”, put forth by “netizens”, for the opposition pact going up against the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).

“We will suggest this. InsyaAllah Dr Mahathir Mohamad will discuss this with other party leaders.

“Netizens have suggested ‘Barisan Rakyat’, I don’t know whether this name will be accepted or not,” Mukhriz was quoted saying at an event in Shah Alam last night.

Mukhriz is the former Kedah mentri besar and son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir, who is also chairman of the newly-formed Bumiputera-centric Pribumi that is against the current government.

Mukhriz also reportedly said PAS should join the opposition pact in contesting against BN so as to avoid three-corner fights that typically benefit the incumbent.

Pakatan Harapan was formed last September comprising PKR, the DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), an offshoot of PAS, after the disintegration of Pakatan Rakyat. Although PAS is not in Pakatan Harapan, the Islamist party remains part of the Selangor state government headed by Azmin from PKR.