THE two main protagonists in the PKR-PAS cooperation issue, Mohamed Azmin Ali and Rafizi Ramli, did not attend the party’s political bureau meeting today.

The last-minute meeting was arranged after vice-president Rafizi called for a special congress to let members decide on whether PKR should cooperate with PAS in the 14th general election.

After two hours, communications strategist Fahmi Fadzil came out with a one-paragraph statement from PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

“The political bureau has decided to remain committed to efforts to strengthen Pakatan Harapan and prepare strategies to defeat Umno-BN in the 14th general election,” said the statement.

PKR, particularly Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin, was in favour of working with PAS in Selangor to avoid three-cornered fights in the state although the Islamist party ended political cooperation with PKR in May.

The decision, however, did not affect Selangor as PAS wanted to remain in government to honour “voters’ mandate” despite breaking off from Pakatan Rakyat after the last elections.

Pakatan Harapan announced this morning that the coalition will not work with PAS in GE14. Azmin was also absent from the PH presidential council meeting last night.

“Pakatan Harapan will not cooperate with PAS in the 14th general election and is preparing its strategy for the possibility of three-cornered contests in GE14,” said the statement signed by PH chairman Dr Mahathir, Dr Wan Azizah and deputy presidents, Muhyiddin Yassin, Mohamad Sabu and Lim Guan Eng.

Dr Wan Azizah also refused to comment on the PKR-PAS issue. – August 29, 2017.