Look past BN if Umno cosies up to PN, PKR leader tells PH

PKR leader R Yuneswaran has urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) to look beyond Barisan Nasional (BN) if Umno strengthens its alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN). In a statement to FMT, Yuneswaran emphasized that PH should pursue collaboration with other parties that prioritize reform, democracy, good governance, and national interests.

He suggested that PH should broaden its political cooperation beyond racial and religious divisions, focusing on performance and shared values. Yuneswaran, who is also a deputy unity minister, stated that PH should be prepared to engage parties committed to moderation, reform, inclusiveness, and responsible governance. He urged PH to be open to working with parties that reject divisive racial and religious politics.

This advice comes as there are speculations of closer ties between the Islamic party PAS and BN. BN and PH, along with several other parties, formed a unity government following the 15th general election, while PN became the opposition. The two parties collaborated in six state elections in 2023 and subsequent by-elections. However, BN chose to stand alone in the Johor state election on July 11, and later reached an understanding with PN during the Negeri Sembilan election on August 1.