Pakatan Harapan will be taking an open approach to negotiate and collaborate under the “Big Tent” concept to overcome political games and manoeuvring, its presidential council said today.
“The effort to pool strengths under the ‘Big Tent’ approach among the opposition must be prioritised to overcome games and political manoeuvring.
“This is being used by certain quarters to grab power and posts, which will leave the country at a loss,” the council said, adding that the Big Tent approach was based on its Reformation Agenda and the people’s welfare.
In a statement today, the council also said after its meeting today that PH will be strengthened as a political bloc under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim.
“Preparations for the 15th general election will be intensified, including seat negotiations, manifesto, leadership, candidates and strategies to win the people’s mandate.
“At the same time, in line with the Port Dickson declaration on April 9, and in order to unite the strength of the entire opposition bloc, Harapan takes a position of openness to negotiate and cooperate under the ‘big tent’ concept based on the reform agenda and people’s interest.
The statement was jointly signed by Anwar, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng after the Harapan presidential council meeting today.
It also expressed concern about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the state of the economy.
“Let us pray and work to urgently overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturn to save lives and livelihood.
“As the Opposition bloc, we must combine our efforts and work towards improving the nation’s economy and restoring the livelihoods of the people over fighting for political power.”
The council also thanked all 105 opposition lawmakers who supported Anwar in his bid to secure a majority, adding that it will continue its role as the opposition in Parliament, providing checks and balances.
“We must concentrate our efforts on ensuring the 105 MPs in the Opposition bloc work together and not be used or influenced by political games played by certain parties to gain power.
“PH will also continue doing its duty in Parliament as an opposition bloc that will give criticism, recommendations and views that are constructive and responsible, in line with the King’s decree to ensure that a check-and-balance process on the Executive continues.”