Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian does not want to anticipate a free fight between PKR and Sarawak National Party (Snap) in the upcoming state elections, since the channel of discussion with PKR remains open.

NONE “I have made this clear before, that our channel of discussion (will be) open until nomination day,” he said of the failure of the two parties to reach an early agreement over seat allocation.

The final round of discussions between the two component parties of Sarawak Pakatan Rakyat has been scheduled for tomorrow.

“I am still optimistic that we will reach an agreement. I believe this issue can be resolved if both parties are willing to talk, so I don’t want to pre-empt what will happen,” he said yesterday.

Asked about Snap’s friendly relations with Parti Kita, Parti Cinta Malaysia and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), which are Pakatan’s rivals, Baru said there should be no suspicion about this.

He also said that, when PKR opens up to Snap, it means that it wants to cooperate with anyone sharing the aim of toppling BN in Sarawak.

“This is very clear in our part. We welcome any party or NGO which wants to work with us,” he said.

“If a member of our coalition works with our rivals or enemies, if this is true, I think it is not a wise thing to do. But we need to work together against our rivals. This has got to be very clear.

Otherwise, our struggle and main objective, that is, to topple the BN, will be weakened.”

azlan He said Pakatan component parties must make sure that the coalition will face BN in straight fights in all 71 seats in the state legislature.

“This is the main thrust of our fight against the BN. We are trying our level best to avoid three-corner or multi-corner fights. That is the strategy that we should have to go into battle,” Baru said.

“As long as we can keep our communications open with our friends (in) Snap, I am sure we can resolve the issue (of) seat allocations, unless, of course, you have no intention to resolve it or try to pretend to resolve it.That is a different matter.”

He said he hopes that Parti Kita or SAPP will not affect Pakatan’s chances.

‘All up to voters’

As for Snap announcing the names of its candidates early, Baru said he has no problem with it.

azlan “That is their policy ... That is okay with me. That should not stop PKR from talking with them. The principle ... is (based on) which party can provide winnable candidates.

“As a party, it is their prerogative to make the announcement as and when they like. We cannot stop them. You must give them a chance to do what they like to do.”

On Snap’s intention to become the dominant Dayak party, Baru said there is nothing wrong with this either.

“If that is their desire, there is nothing in that,” he said.

He said every political party desires to become the dominant party, but that this will depend on whether their policies, leaderships and objectives are accepted by the people.

“I want that question to be answered by the people of Sarawak,” he added.