SHAH ALAM: PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has brushed off claims made by certain parties within Pakatan Harapan (Pakatan) that he was wooing Pas to join forces and be part of the coalition in Selangor.
Azmin said allegations made by Selangor Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) Jamzuri Ardani that there is a secret negotiation taking place between PKR and Pas was unfounded.
“It is okay. That is their opinion. I hope statements that are to be made, let it be based on facts. These claims are untrue, if there are any individuals who are attempting to belittle other parties,” said Azmin when met after the Selangor state government monthly assembly held at Dewan Jubli Perak, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building today.
Jamzuri had also reportedly said that Selangor Pakatan had failed to hold discussions on the 14th General Election negotiations for state assembly seats.
He also dismissed allegations that the situation would be prolonged as PKR was still trying to get Pas’ support, and believed that Pakatan would fail without the help of the Islamist party.
Azmin scorned Jamzuri’s claims, saying that the process of discussions and seat distributions have long been going on in Pakatan Selangor.
“The process is ongoing. We have not finalised negotiations for state seats. As for parliamentary seats, we have resolved it principally but talks are still taking place to ensure Pakatan's victory.
“That is how we know the number of seats that are being asked for by PAN, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia as well as PKR.
"If there are no discussions, how would we know which constituencies they are interested to contest in?
“Factors such as the candidate's winnability, the acceptance of voters and support are important rather than to meet a certain deadline. If we can resolve 90 per cent of overlapping seats, that is a great success already for Pakatan.
“The process is complicated but the discussions are proceeding positively. We will conclude everything before nomination day,” said Azmin.
Azmin, who is also Selangor Menteri Besar, felt there was no delay in determining the candidates and which constituency seats each party will be contesting in.
“The principle and the understanding among Pakatan party leaders are already in place. The list is certainly subjected to the final approval of the party which will meet from time to time.
“If we anticipate that the general election is going to be in April, I can safely say we are ready for it. We are also prepared in terms of the candidates and seat allocations,” he said.
Asked on which constituency he will be contesting or there will be a switch, Azmin, who is Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa state assemblyman replied he was not sure yet and it was subjected to discussions in PKR.