PKR grassroots have expressed that they are willing to accept Umno as an ally but stress that their party must, however, reject leaders facing corruption trials.

They told The Malaysian Insight that PKR must not give up on its reform agenda although the party may see it necessary to work with arch-rival Umno to ensure that Anwar Ibrahim becomes the prime minister.

PKR Hulu Langat youth chief Muhammad Hanafi Jamaluddin said any form of cooperation must be done for the sake of the nation, especially in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic and revive the flagging economy.

“The present government led by Muhyiddin Yassin could not handle the pandemic, so much so they want to declare a state of emergency.

“We should look thoroughly if we want to work with Umno if we want to save the country, and we need their support.

“As the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said, for now we need to set aside political issues and save the country.

“Maybe we can cooperate temporarily for the sake of the country,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

PKR Bukit Mertajam branch member Hafiz Hassan said PKR must be “picky” about accepting Umno in order to form a government.

“If PKR chooses (Umno) MPs who are free from corruption, there is nothing wrong with developing the country together, because they can also support the reform agenda,” he said.

PKR should not agree to drop the cases of Umno leaders facing charges in return for their support, he said.

“It is up to them if they want to support or not. We have no power to stop but their cases should not be dropped when they decide to back us,” he added.

Penang PKR youth deputy chief Muhammad Adzlan Adzhar said cooperation with Umno should be for the welfare of the people, adding that such a cooperation should only be in place until the next general election.

“I strongly agree that we should get the support from Umno on the basis of the people’s interest, but if there is an issue of misconduct by Umno leaders, it must be brought to court.

“When the time for election comes, we need to stand on our own to defend the mandate of the people. At that time, I don’t think we need Umno’s support any more.”

Two weeks ago, PKR president Anwar had an audience with Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara to prove that he had the support of the majority of MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.

He claimed to have the support of 120 MPs.

In his press conference that followed Anwar, however, did not mention or reveal any MP or group of MPs who allegedly support him.

However, a leaked letter to the king dated October 11 shows that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Pekan MP Najib Razak expressing the party’s support for Anwar.

Since then Umno has decided to stay put in Perikatan Nasional and allow Muhyiddin’s government to continue its rule.

Still, there are rumours of behind-the-scene moves to change the government, depending on whom Umno decides to back.

Unite to fight Covid-19

PKR’s Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said it is better, for now, for all parties to obey the king’s advice for politicians to suspend their shenanigans and work towards ensuring that the nation overcomes the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I welcome the Agong’s order for all politicians to stop politicking and to focus fully on efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 and revive the country’s economy.

“I think democracy is the best way to lead our country through the challenges that are so critical right now.

“The prime minister and the federal government should consult the opposition and work together to help the people and ensure that the impact (of Covid-19) can be reduced,” he said.

PKR Hulu Langat member Nordin Ahmad said now is not the right time to argue on who should be the prime minister because the impact of Covid-19 is of a greater concern.

“Whoever wants to form the government, we just wait for GE15. Now the people are suffering plus the economy is bad.

“Let’s not bicker about who should be PM as for now, we should revive the economy.” – October 30, 2020.