Selangor PH does not rule out working with Bersatu, says Amirudin

SHAH ALAM – Pakatan Harapan (PH) Selangor is not ruling out the possibility of cooperating with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), particularly in the state.

Such an alignment is believed to be aimed at keeping both sides relevant and strong ahead of the coming general election, including the Melaka state election.

Selangor PH chairman Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the coalition remains clear on its principles of prioritising the people's welfare and maintaining stability.

"The question may arise now, especially with the new formula (Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional) in Johor, then in Negeri Sembilan, but each of them (BN and PH) still maintains the formula in the federal government.

"Politics is very fluid and challenging, UMNO has formed alignments with PN in several states. We hold to our principles. I am clear, we want to hold to principles — what matters is the people's welfare and how stability can be maintained," he told reporters at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. (Quotes translated from Malay.)

Earlier, PH internal sources told Utusan Malaysia that talks were taking place between state Bersatu leaders and the coalition to determine their direction in Selangor.

Amirudin, however, was of the view that Bersatu would need to sit within PH's component structure if it wanted to cooperate, rather than the arrangement seen between BN and PH.

The PKR vice-president stressed that BN was openly working with PN in Johor and Negeri Sembilan even while remaining with PH at federal level.

"Either we are becoming more mature in politics or creating a new madness. Because it is like a marriage where we already know we will divorce in a year's time, but at the same time our partner has already shown a scandal — like that, understand?

"That's how it is, so think about it," he said in a joking tone.