KLUANG: The unity government coalition parties Pakatan Harapan (PH) Barisan Nasional (BN) collaborations, pave solid groundwork for DAP and Umno Johor to establish a united force in the 16th General Elections.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the coalition parties' relationships were further strengthened after they won the Simpang Jeram and Pulai by-elections.
However, Loke said the decision for Johor DAP and Umno to collaborate will be entrusted to state DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong, who will engage in discussions.
"Johor DAP supports all the state government development agendas, including contributing ideas to the recently presented Johor 2024 Budget by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
"The establishment of this collaboration should be discussed by the respective parties state leaderships.
"The feasibility of working together as a united force in the upcoming state elections needs to examined," said Loke during the State DAP Annual Convention 2023 held at the Super One Restaurant, here today.
"On a personal note, I am open to various suggestions, including the formation of a unity government in Johor, but all of this needs to be discussed behind closed doors by Chin Tong (Liew)," he added.
Loke said discussions to forge the collaboration are still premature as the state elections are expected to take place in May 2027.
Meanwhile, Liew said the presence of both DAP and Umno at the federal level is among the reasons they are proposing a similar approach at the state level, which is governed by BN.
"It is highly appropriate, that the state government allows PH (which DAP is part of) to contribute ideas for the betterment and welfare of the people," he said.
He added that even if there is a reshuffle in the state government, state PH and BN will maintain their collaboration and stand as a united force.