PKR will not ditch DAP to work with other political parties in the upcoming Johor polls, said party president Anwar Ibrahim.

Both parties are loyal to each other and share mutual respect, he added.

“There are views of wanting cooperation with PKR, but (on the condition that it) must reject DAP. We cannot accept that.

“PKR and DAP have been Pakatan Harapan (PH) main parties from the start and both have proven their loyalty, so I cannot just say reject (DAP).

“Now, PH has Amanah and Upko. If they want to discuss with only PKR or DAP, we cannot stop them, but to ask for conditions such as ‘no PKR’ and ‘no DAP’, those are difficult to accept.”

Bersatu earlier this week said it is considering cooperation with Amanah and PKR, but without DAP.

Its supreme council discussed the matter in a meeting and will decide it in a political bureau meeting, according to sources.

Johor Baru Bersatu deputy chief Razrul Anwar Rusli mooted the formation of a grand coalition, with Perikatan Nasional uniting with PH, Pejuang, Muda and Warisan to face the upcoming state elections.

All parties that oppose Barisan Nasional should gather under one banner, he said, adding that this is a formula that worked in the last general election.

Razrul said the coalition can be named Gabungan Rakyat Johor or Muafakat Rakyat Johor – similar to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, which was formed ahead of the Sabah polls in September 2020. – January 29, 2022.