The three parties under Pakatan Harapan and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia officially agreed today to an electoral pact to ensure straight fights against BN in the coming general election.

The three parties under Harapan - PKR, DAP and Amanah - also agreed to form an opposition coalition with Bersatu before the next general election, to facilitate the formation of a new government should they win the 14th general election.

These were among seven issues outlined in the agreement on cooperation and common framework between the two entities.

PKR was represented by its president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Amanah was represented by party president Mohamad Sabu, while DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin signed the agreement on behalf of their parties.

They agreed than an opposition coalition (gabungan parti-parti pembangkang) should be established before the next general election, to facilitate the formation of a new government should they win the 14th general election.

All four parties also agreed to set up a joint technical committee to discuss seat allocations and a common manifesto.

'It's a start'

On why Bersatu was not part of Harapan, Wan Azizah said the signing of the agreement today was "the initial step to everything".

"We are already working together, the coalition is just a formality.... Today, we have a new kid on the block. We have Bersatu," she said.

Similarly, PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said a coalition would require parties to take things one step at a time.

"This is the first electoral pact (between the four parties) and we will see how it works out.

"Thing may change, we have to be flexible," he said.

Former prime minister and Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad was not present at the meeting.

The seven agreements, in summary, are as follows:

1. That the basis of the four parties' struggle will be based on the Federal Constitution, particularly on matters concerning religion, special position of Malays and bumiputra, constitutional monarchy and the special position of the Malay language.

2. Commit to a reform agenda based on shared values, including truth, justice, integrity, welfare and good conduct.

3. Ensure that Harapan and Bersatu will not field more than one candidate for each seat during the next general election.

4. Initiate negotiations with other opposition parties to ensure straight fights with BN.

5. Form a coalition with opposition parties before the next general election with the purpose of forming a new government.

6. Establishing a joint technical committee to discuss seat allocation, a common manifesto and a logo.

7. All parties in the pact must maintain good ties with each other and resolve disputes through collective negotiation.