Prior to the tectonic shift in the national political landscape that occurred as a result of Anwar Ibrahim being dismissed as deputy prime minister in 1998, PAS and DAP had existed in their respective power cocoons.

However, when the situation changed, former MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek said PAS and DAP chose to form an alliance, despite their opposing ideologies.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the medical doctor-turned-politician claimed this was nothing short of political opportunism, aimed at garnering votes from those who would normally shun them.