ALOR GAJAH (Nov 13): Pakatan Harapan (PH) is a tested political coalition that remains strong, built on trust and mutual respect among its component parties, says its secretary general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) secretary general, said trust and mutual respect were the foundation of cooperation among the parties in the coalition, setting it apart from other political alliances.
"Harapan is a coalition where, when we work together, we are united because our friendship is based on trust and respect. That is what matters.
"Our candidates represent a coalition bloc called Harapan. What sets PH apart is that it is a tested coalition, and the key that binds us together is trust and respect. These are very important values in a political coalition," he said.
The Home Affairs Minister was speaking at the ‘Pesta Melaka Rumah Kita’ event in conjunction with the 16th Melaka State Election at Taman Perdana Melaka here on Thursday night.
To illustrate the strength of PH's partnership, Saifuddin said PKR and DAP had remained in the coalition throughout its political journey, while Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) joined after its formation following a split in PAS.
He compared this with PAS' history of political cooperation with several parties, including Umno, Bersatu and PH, which he said had not lasted.
"PAS was once allied with Umno in 1974, but the alliance lasted only until 1977, just three years. PAS was once allied with us [PH], but later left. PAS was also once allied with Bersatu, but later left.
"PAS was once allied with Umno under Muafakat Nasional, but they fell out. Now PAS has returned to Umno. PAS is a party that cannot maintain friendships. Whenever it forms an alliance, there is bound to be a problem," he said.
Saifuddin urged Melaka voters to consider the advantages of choosing PH candidates, saying that the coalition's leadership of the federal government would enable elected representatives to serve the people with federal support.
The Election Commission (EC) has set polling day for the 16th Melaka state election this Saturday.
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