PICS BY NSTP/L. MANIMARAN
IPOH: A top Parti Amanah Negara leader has downplayed the tension between the party and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Johor over seat allocations for the upcoming state election.
Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar described the tussle between the two parties as 'a normal matter' since Johor is not under a unity government.
Mahfuz, however, said he is confidence that the issue would be resolved amicably.
"This is a normal matter.
"For me, as long as there is no final decision from the negotiations, there will certainly be parties who make demands, parties who say, 'This is our right,' and so on.
"However, in the end, we will ensure that no internal conflict arises, and I believe the Umno leadership is also open to considering the future of their party's politics, not just in Johor but across the entire country, including at the federal level," he said.
Mahfuz said this in a press conference after opening the Perak Youth Amanah Conference at Casuarina Hotel here last night.
Asked if Amanah has admonished Johor Amanah leadership, Mahfuz said it was unnecessary and emphasized that the party did not want to be seen as controlling.
"We do not want to blame or restrict them from making demands; that is their right. For me, it is reasonable for Amanah, given that there is no unity government in Johor.
"So, in a scenario like this, where BN is also likely to demand to contest all seats, naturally, other parties will also seek to contest a certain number of seats. That is their right, and we give them a bit of freedom and space.
"But in the end, I believe negotiations will take place, and we will finalize the best decision," he said.
On Nov 4, Johor Amanah announced plans to contest between 12 and 20 state assembly seats in the upcoming state election, indicating its readiness to either join BN or Pakatan Harapan (PH) in a coalition or to run independently.
In a statement, Amanah deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the party had identified several targeted seats, including its intent to retain the Simpang Jeram seat in Muar.
This position arises from dissatisfaction with Johor BN's reluctance to form a unity government, despite BN's recent success in the Mahkota by-election.
When asked when negotiations would take place, Mahfuz said it was still early but emphasised that there must be give and take in this matter.
On Oct 4, BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged Johor Amanah leaders to prioritise helping the public over engaging in politicking.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister said it was important that leaders dedicate their efforts to the community.