Anwar, who is also PKR president, said talks are ongoing to avoid a repeat of the results in 2016 when overlapping contests were identified as one of the factors behind the opposition coalition’s failure in the state polls that year.
“I think it’s not too big of a problem, just a bit of overlap, but this is being discussed,” he told reporters after launching the Sarawak PKR election machinery in Kuching today.
Asked whether he was confident the coalition could prevent a similar situation from happening and thus avoid another dismal showing this time around, he said: “I don’t think there will be any overlaps.”
Besides discussions over seats, he said the Sarawak PH parties were also in the midst of finalising the candidates, and an announcement will be made soon.
Amanah president Mohamad Sabu was previously reported as saying that PH’s defeat in the Sarawak election five years ago was due to overlapping contests for seats between DAP and PKR as well as its main leaders being banned from entering the state then to campaign.
To a question on the selection of candidates, Anwar said they were going through the list to ensure those chosen remain faithful to the coalition’s cause and struggles.
“We are trying our best but sometimes the temptation of money and position can lure them, but we’ll make sure (this doesn’t happen) this time,” he said.
On the cooperation with Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Anwar said PH was still in the midst of negotiations.
“We have always held the position that the opposition must remain united, but as a new party they too should be reasonable in insisting on seats.
“So I think, let this process continue. (The talks are) mainly being handled by the parties at the state level,” he added.
Bernama reported earlier this month that discussions on cooperation between PH and PSB had been put on hold following overlapping seat requests.
Sarawak PKR acting chairman Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh said as such, PH component parties will not enter into an agreement to work with other opposition parties in the state for now.
The Election Commission will meet in Kuching on Nov 24 to discuss the date of the Sarawak state election.
The Sarawak legislative assembly was dissolved on Nov 3 following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s consent to lift the statewide Emergency on the same day, paving the way for the state election to be held within 60 days.