PKR never discussed forming an opposition big tent in any of the party’s official meetings, its secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

He said the discussion was only between Pakatan Harapan allies, as part of the coalition’s preparation for the next general election.

“Officially, in meetings we have not discussed it. It was merely an idea.

“Looking at the current political situation, we discuss, trade ideas and, in the PKR context, it does not tie PKR down to be committed to the big tent concept,” Saifuddin told reporters in Shah Alam, following his debate with Rafizi Ramli, his rival for the post of deputy party president in the PKR elections at the end of the week.

Saifuddin said in all party meetings, the focus has been on strengthening the party and the PH coalition.

“Before the party makes a decision, there has to be a process, a discussion, congress, central committee meetings, political bureau meetings and closed door discussions.

“That is the process before we make a decision, but that hasn’t happened. There has been lots of talk about a big tent, but who is doing the negotiations? Within the party, in the monthly or bureau meeting, it was never discussed by us.

“I don’t want to say whether it will happen, what was discussed is strengthening the party and PH. A strong party will help strengthen PH,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the debate Rafizi rejected the idea of a big tent, saying the idea was making the opposition lose its focus, which is the well-being of the people.

“We need to convince the people that we not only have ideas to solve their problems, but also that we are leaders who are capable of executing the ideas if we win.

“That is why I insist that we have to change our strategy that we have implemented over the past two years, this big tent idea.

“It all comes down to legitimising the ways to gain power, you can fight today but then be friends again tomorrow,” he said.

PH ally Amanah has touted the idea of a big tent for the opposition to take into the next general election.

On April 18, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said the big tent approach would involve opposition parties joining forces against those in or allied to government.

The PKR election will take place from May 13 to May 22. – May 11, 2022.