PRN: ‘If Johor Was More Complicated, Melaka Is Easier’ – Abdul Hadi
MARANG: Pas is confident that the negotiation process and formation of political cooperation leading up to the Melaka State Election (PRN) will be easier compared to the situation faced during the previous Johor PRN.
PAS President, Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said, the confidence is based on the feedback and positive responses received at the grassroots level, besides taking into account the country’s current political scenario.
“God willing, it can be done… If Johor was more complicated, Melaka is easier,” he said when met after delivering a duha lecture at the Rusila Mosque here on Friday.
On Wednesday, media reported that Pakatan Harapan (PH) is open to holding discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the Melaka PRN.
PH Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said, the matter will be decided together with Melaka Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Abd Rauf Yusoh.
Commenting on the discussions on cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN), Abdul Hadi explained that the negotiation process is still ongoing through appointed representatives.
According to him, there is a positive inclination within BN itself which shows that the majority of its leadership and grassroots support the unity efforts.
“We are still discussing. Our representatives are discussing with PN. In BN, there are divisions too and I think the majority agree (to cooperate) with PN. The Youth Chief and the grassroots also agree,” he said.
When asked about PAS’s stance if BN chooses to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH), he declined to comment further as no official decision has been finalised so far.
“That will happen later. Since it hasn’t happened yet, I already said wait first. Right now there is no decision yet, we are still looking and still discussing,” he said.
On August 8, BN Chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the coalition always opens up space for negotiations on distribution or seat exchanges, on the principle of mutually respecting seats won by any party honestly and sincerely.
Previously, PKR Communications Director, Fahmi Fadzil also welcomed BN’s openness regarding seat distribution for the 16th Melaka PRN.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi, who is also Marang Member of Parliament, also criticised the PH government leadership’s actions which he described as immature in handling international diplomacy issues, particularly regarding tensions between China and Taiwan.
He likened PH’s approach to following the provocative rhythm of former United States President Donald Trump, which he said could embarrass the country’s image on the world stage.
“Don’t interfere in other people’s countries, that is their right. They made statements similar to Trump… learning from Trump, provoking people. Embarrassing,” he said again.
Astro Awani