PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has no plans to cooperate with Barisan Nasional (BN) after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections, according to Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil.
Faiz said PH's current focus was on strengthening its position in preparation for any political developments that might arise after the elections, Utusan Malaysia reported.
"As of now, there are no plans for cooperation with BN after the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections," he was quoted as saying.
He also said Amanah was confident it would be allocated winnable seats in the state elections, and that talks on PH seat distributions were proceeding smoothly.
Last week, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition was set for the Negeri Sembilan election and remained open to continuing its cooperation with PH to retain the unity government in the state.
However, Zahid said it was too early to hold formal discussions on electoral cooperation between the two coalitions.
In Johor, Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi of Umno said he would rather give up his position than be part of a state government that includes DAP. His remarks drew criticism from political commentator Tajuddin Rasdi, who accused Onn Hafiz of displaying a "racist personality".
DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook also mocked Onn Hafiz's position, pointing out that BN and DAP leaders currently sit together in the federal Cabinet under the unity government.
Onn Hafiz rejected claims that his position was rooted in arrogance or racism, insisting that it was based on principle and respect for the mandate given to BN by voters.
He said BN's cooperation with PH at the federal level arose from the political situation after the 15th general election, where no coalition secured a simple majority.
He said the situation was different in Johor as BN was given a clear mandate during the last state polls.
Sources: Free Malaysia Today, Utusan Malaysia
