PKR leader denies crossovers of reps

PKR leader denies crossovers of reps

Soon Li Tsin | Mar 11, 08 4:59pm

Certain members and elected representatives of PKR have been courted by other parties, but no one has crossed over to date, said de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim. “Yes, they have approached us, I don’t deny that. Once we’re ready (with details), you will be the first to know,’ he said without revealing more information during a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya today. “There is no question of anybody crossing over. They were all with me last night. We have control in five states and 50 percent of the support in the peninsula, so it doesn’t make sense to ever suggest that we would join Umno. “We will not (make an) offer (to) anyone to join us (either) with millions of ringgit or with expectations, let me make that very clear. We are not Umno or Barisan (Nasional). (But) we have evidence that our members and state assemblypersons are being offered (a crossover).” Asked if the three opposition parties would consider a merger, Anwar said it was premature but that they are involved in preliminary discussions. “(There is an) understanding that there may be a more concrete and cohesive working relationship (between the parties). We don’t need one party as such, we need one cohesive force,” he said. On the idea of establishing a shadow cabinet, Anwar said: “Yeah we’re looking at it, that is a suggestion that we will have to work on. I think it would be a good proposition.” PKR, DAP and PAS swept 82 of the 222 parliamentary seats - the best opposition showing to date - but more crucially, won almost 50 percent of the popular vote in the elections on Saturday. They also took four more states - Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Perak - and retained Kelantan, contributing to BN’s biggest setback in 12 general elections. ‘Don’t destroy records’ Quizzed on the selection of the new Perak menteri besar, Anwar said it is “almost resolved” but said the position should remain with a Malay candidate. “We are guided by the (state) constitution. We will of course protect the Malay position politically and economically, we’re bound by that. We are committed (to the position) that the rights of the Malays are protected. “In doing so, we will ensure we are just and we’ll have adequate accommodation of non-Malays in our state government and there will be just and fair representation.” Throughout the press conference, Anwar kept journalists guessing about his political future when he failed to give a direct answer as to whether he would run for Parliament when the ban on his active involvement expires on April 15. “I’ll contest in any empty seat (laughs). I don’t know yet. My mind now is focused on assisting (in setting) up the new state governments and (on seeing) that the coalition works well. “I’m not saying that is not important, I am eager to get back into Parliament. I will attend the first session from the public gallery,” he joked. Anwar was also quick to caution Selangor officials that destroying state records is a crime. “We’re not here out of vindictiveness, vendetta or on a witch-hunt (with past officials). We are here to govern effectively,” he added. “So I’m issuing a caution that if they commit a crime, they are going to have to pay for that. But those in the right should not worry.”