Khalid wants PH to take anti-Umno, PAS stand in Melaka polls, GE16

Amanah communications director Khalid Samad has urged Pakatan Harapan to go solo in the upcoming Melaka polls and the next general election (GE16), particularly to take on Umno and PAS.

With a Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional pact confirmed for Melaka and appearing increasingly likely for GE16, Khalid said going solo would allow for a united front to be presented to take on the Umno-PAS alliance.

“This approach would allow PH to offer policies and candidates whose principles are clear, without any confusion about political manoeuvering or cooperation with other parties.

“At the same time, this stand can strengthen the identity of PH’s struggle while boosting accountability and people’s confidence in the coalition’s struggle,” he said in a statement.

Khalid added that PH must make clear that it rejects Umno’s money politics and PAS’s autocracy, while explaining to voters, especially the Malays, about the detriments of these two political practices.

“They need to realise that there is a third option in Malay politics offered by the Malays in PH – whether in Amanah, PKR or DAP – who champion good governance, efficient service, and the people’s wellbeing.

“Rejecting Umno and PAS should be PH’s main slogan in the Melaka polls and in GE16,” the former MP said.

PH and BN are currently allies in the government, but the latter teamed up with PN in the recent Negeri Sembilan polls, and secured a two-thirds majority.

Earlier this week, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that the Umno-led coalition will join forces with PN once again in the Melaka polls.

He said BN will contest 21 of the 28 seats in the Melaka legislative assembly, while PAS and its PN allies will vie for the remaining seven.

The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the Melaka polls. Nominations will be held on Oct 31, with early voting set for Nov 10.