PH unlikely to give up seats for Muda, says Anwar

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that Pakatan Harapan is unlikely to make way for candidates from the youth-based Muda to contest seats previously won by PH component parties.

Anwar, who is PH chairman, said discussions are being held on the matter within the coalilition and several related announcements are expected to be made soon.

“There is progress in several states and the results will be announced in the near future,” he was reported to have said after attending a youth interaction programme in Kuala Lumpur.

There would be room for further discussions should the component parties agree, “but by convention in PH, seats already won by a party will remain with the party,” he said.

Anwar had been asked by reporters whether there had been discussion about Muda’s application to join the coalition and if the party had asked to contest in seats already held by PH members.

He said that the PH presidential council will deliberate on Muda’s application, based on various views including concerns expressed by PKR Youth on Muda’s request.

Anwar said he had told Muda that its leaders could continue having discussions with designated party leaders while a decision was pending on its application for membership of PH.