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

PKR leader R Yuneswaran has urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) to broaden its collaboration beyond the confines of narrow identity politics. Should Umno deepen its partnership with Perikatan Nasional (PN), PH should cast its gaze beyond Barisan Nasional (BN), Yuneswaran contended.

Yuneswaran, a PKR central leadership council member, advised PH to explore political ties with parties that prioritize reform, democracy, effective governance, and national interests. By doing so, PH could expand its coalition of parties united by a common goal of reform, stability, and progress.

The PKR leader emphasized that such expansion should not compromise PH's principles, but rather reinforce them by uniting a diverse coalition of parties committed to shared values. Speaking to FMT, Yuneswaran debunked the notion that expanding cooperation would mean discarding PH's core values, instead he argued it could fortify them by assembling a broader coalition of parties dedicated to reform, stability, and progress.

Yuneswaran's remarks follow Faiz Fadzil's suggestion that PH should broaden its "big tent" concept by seeking new political partners in the event of shifts in the political relationship between Umno and PN. The PKR deputy unity minister stressed that PH must be prepared for any outcome if BN opts to engage with other parties.

In light of these developments, Yuneswaran called for PH to champion Malaysia's diversity, integrating individuals from various communities, regions, and political traditions. He urged PH to engage with parties that embody moderation, reform, inclusiveness, and responsible governance, while moving away from divisive racial and religious politics.

These comments come at a time of growing speculation about enhanced ties between PAS and BN. With the 15th general election resulting in a hung Parliament, BN and PH formed a unity government, while PN assumed the opposition role. In the subsequent six state elections and by-elections, BN and PH collaborated, while BN distanced itself from PH in the July 11 Johor state election and reached an agreement with PN in the August 1 Negeri Sembilan election.