PKR VP insists still in seat talks with PAS

(MMO)) – PKR is continuing negotiations with PAS on the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections despite the Islamist party’s rejection and calls by its allies to stop the talks, Shamsul Iskandar Akin said today.

The Bukit Katil MP said the matter was discussed briefly during the party’s political bureau meeting yesterday, and noted that nominations for both polls were still over a week away.

“I don’t think for now we need to reveal what are the outcomes of the discussion. Wait for the presidential council meeting,” he told reporters when met outside the Dewan Rakyat lobby today.

Commenting on calls by DAP for Amanah to contest Sungai Besar, Shamsul said he respected their views, but said the decision belonged to the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.

Amanah on Monday pressed its case for the two by-elections, urging PKR to abandon any further negotiations with PAS on the subject.

It also told PKR it could not contest against PAS in Sungai Besar without damaging their relations in the Selangor state administration.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang during the weekend underscored his party’s refusal to yield either seat to Pakatan Harapan, saying it will contest both polls regardless of circumstances.