Amiruddin Hamzah, who is seeking re-election in Kubang Pasu in Saturday’s polls, claimed his party wanted to bring Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) together to take on BN.

“But time was not on our side because Parliament was dissolved. We thought GE15 would be (held) next year,” said Amiruddin.

“After this, if we manage to deny them (BN) forming the government, those with enough seats can talk to one another and hopefully we can form a coalition (to run the government).”

It was previously reported that Mahathir had been open to the idea of working with PH and PN to take on BN. However, both coalitions rejected the idea.

Meanwhile, Amiruddin said he was banking on his track record in the area to retain his seat. Among others, he cited his achievement in getting the Sungai Bata flood mitigation project included in the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Amiruddin was confident Pejuang’s crusade against corruption and its efforts to promote good governance would help the party win over Malay voters.

He said unlike its former allies in Bersatu, Pejuang’s words carried weight as it was unwilling to betray the mandate of the people and be part of the Sheraton Move (which led to the collapse of the Mahathir-led PH government) although it meant being out of the government.

“They (Bersatu) won on that mandate (in GE14) and then they (discarded) their principles to collude with kleptocrats to form the government,” he said.

Amiruddin is defending Kubang Pasu from Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail (PN), Hamsuni Hassan (BN) and Aizuddin Ariffin (PH).