Former academic Azmi Hassan told FMT they may not add any value to PH, adding that the coalition may instead be seen as prioritising party interests instead of the people’s welfare if it chooses to work with them.
His comments follow PKR veep Tian Chua saying that PH should “tactically” work with anyone who can bring victory to PH in the upcoming Melaka state election, including the defectors.
“It is a tactic we must consider by any means to win the most seats,” Tian Chua told reporters.
The Melaka political crisis was triggered by former chief minister Idris Haron (Sungai Udang), Nor Azman Hassan (Pantai Kundor), Noor Effandi Ahmad (Telok Mas) and former DAP man Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu), all of whom had earlier this month declared that they were pulling out their support for the state government and chief minister Sulaiman Md Ali.
Idris and Nor Azman have since been sacked from Umno, while Noor Effandi had his membership terminated by Bersatu.
In a statement following the PH presidential council meeting yesterday, it was announced that Norhizam will not be named as a candidate.
On the other three members of the “Melaka 4”, the presidential council said it received the views of all parties on this matter.
Meanwhile, DAP national organising secretary Loke Siew Fook said that the party will not work with traitors adding that it made this stand clear in previous PH presidential council meetings.
“PH must reject traitors. Period,” Loke said in a posting on his personal Facebook page.
According to Azmi, Amanah being the third party in the coalition may not have any bargaining chip as its influence in Melaka depended largely on PKR and DAP supporters.
“Amanah has been quiet and careful on the issue of this ‘gang of four’ except for saying they will be contesting a total of 10 state seats in the polls.
“Just like other states, Amanah in Melaka largely rides on PH’s strength, especially PKR and DAP.”
Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs agreed, saying Amanah has very little role to play.
He said PKR may feel that they may win more votes and seats by accepting the defectors and putting them up as candidates, adding that they may possibly rope in more Malay support.
“The flip side is of course some disgruntled PH supporters may stay home and not vote.
“It’s mostly just some puritanical DAP supporters who oppose such a move, but in any case, DAP will likely win big with or without the support of such purists.”
Melaka goes to the polls on Nov 20 with early voting taking place from Nov 16, while the nomination day has been set for Nov 8.