PSM, Muda open to loose pact with PH — if it is principled

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Muda say they are open to exploring a loose coalition with Pakatan Harapan (PH), provided it is grounded in principle and a long-term progressive agenda.

PSM deputy chairman S Arutchelvan acknowledged that the failure of previous ties between PSM, Muda and PH may have left his members less inclined to support such cooperation, in line with resolutions of earlier party congresses.

However, he did not rule out that the position could be reviewed in light of new political developments and realignments.

He said PSM's priority was the formation of a progressive bloc for the long haul so that voters were not repeatedly trapped by coalitions created only at election time.

"For PSM, we feel there is a need for a progressive bloc for the long term so that the people are not deceived and the progressive, non-racial narrative is truly lived out, not just during general or state elections," he said. (Quote translated from Malay.)

He was responding to a proposal by political analyst Tajuddin Rasdi that PH form a loose coalition with all progressive-minded parties such as Muda, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), PSM and parties that do not make race or religion the main basis of their ideology.

Tajuddin argued the move would show voters that PH genuinely wanted to advance progressive politics and the country.

His commentary followed the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), which took 25 of the 36 seats in the Negeri Sembilan state election last Saturday. PH and BN, however, work together in the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Arutchelvan conceded such cooperation could attract more voter support, but said PSM had to weigh the compromises that might come with joining other parties.

"The party must make fair and reasonable considerations so that the goal of unity does not undermine the party's struggle and aspirations," he added.

Muda secretary-general Ainie Haziqah Shafii, meanwhile, urged progressive parties to set aside differences and sit down to discuss cooperation ahead of the 16th general election.

She said Muda was ready to negotiate with any party, including PH, that shared progressive ideas and policies.

"Muda's basic principle is that politics in this country cannot be fractured through racial sentiment and the dominance of any political elite that does not prioritise the people's welfare," she said.