PETALING JAYA: Cooperation between different political parties during general elections is something that should not be discounted despite party grassroots' remaining against the idea, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president said that discussions were a necessity among Pakatan Harapan coalition partners, but stressed that achieving a consensus on the topic wasn't a form of compulsion.

"The voices of the grassroots are always negative if there are no explanations.

"For example, when Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) said they will support any winning party. That is hard for me (to accept)," said Anwar during an interview with Selangorkini on Thursday (July 14).

Anwar also said seat allocations among parties should be based on common principles.

"So, I don't want to say that we totally reject discussions, but the phrase of opening tents is a different issue.

"Discussions are a must and a necessity, though we may not necessarily achieve a consensus," said the Port Dickson MP.

There have been heated debates among party grassroots on whether Opposition parties should cooperate with Perikatan Nasional to ensure straight fights against Barisan Nasional in the 15th general election.

Commenting further on the matter, Anwar does not discount the possibilities of multi-cornered fights when the 15th general election comes.

"The best would be straight fights. But, we might not be able to reject possibilities of three-cornered fights or more," said Anwar.

Meanwhile, Anwar described the "big-tent" approach as a confusing phrase, saying that it is his view that PKR, DAP and Amanah should be strengthened as Pakatan coalition partners.

"Because our (PKR) experience as a party, together with DAP and Amanah as its loyal partner, is seen to be strong," added Anwar.

Anwar also said concerns about the "big-tent" approach must be addressed, and explained that negotiations and discussions are crucial in the national political system.

"But, we also know that in the national political system, we must have efforts in negotiations and discussions.

"As an example, I'm the Opposition leader and the Prime Minister called for a discussion. I must be ready to discuss issues touching on the people's interest," he said.

"Sometimes, this can be confusing," added Anwar.

Anwar then gave another scenario, saying that he was unsure about the ruling coalition's strength at present, and conceded that Barisan currently has the upper hand.

"Should there be an understanding so there will be no clashes in Johor?" Anwar questioned.

"In Johor, people said we were defeated. But, they forgot that if we ensure one-on-one fights, the situation will be different.

"So, let's not totally erase this possibility. But, we must remember that this must be based on principles. Don't allow its path to stray toward corruption and closing court cases. There are limits," added Anwar.

During the Johor state elections in March, Barisan secured a two-thirds majority after winning 40 out of the 56 state seats.

PKR had clashed with the neophyte Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) in one seat, while Pakatan locked horns with Pejuang in 42 state seats and Parti Warisan Sabah in six seats.

Pakatan and Perikatan had clashed in all 56 seats, while locking horns with the neophyte Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) in one seat, with Pejuang in 42 state seats and Parti Warisan Sabah in six seats.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/14/don039t-simply-reject-political-cooperation-in-ge15-says-anwar