I wish to correct PKR communications officer Fahmi Fadzil’s statement that DAP was consulted prior to the announcement by PKR of the previous Penanti state seat, Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat or Kajang state seat by-elections. DAP national leaders were left in the dark and practically knew only about the by-elections when it was published in the on-line media.

At no time did DAP ask PKR to replace their elected representative in Penanti, Permatang Pauh or Kajang. This was decided wholly by the PKR leadership on its own.

Fahmi can verify this with the upper echelons of the PKR leadership. Fahmi can also verify that the highest PKR leadership conceded that there was no prior consultation with the DAP. Despite the lack of prior consultation, DAP did not make any fuss but gave full and undivided support to the PKR leadership’s decision in the interests of Pakatan unity and solidarity.

Newspaper reports had even poked fun at the DAP leadership for being so ignorant and oblivious about what is going on. Unlike the claims by Fahmi, the Kajang by-election did not involve a single seat but anticipated a change of the Selangor menteri besar. This has huge implications, almost as big as holding a state general election.

In contrast, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had announced that DAP will not make any unilateral decisions in holding a state general election in Penang. Instead the decision to hold a state general election in Penang will have to be decided by consensus of all three parties in Pakatan Harapan. DAP seeks to be a reliable partner and believes that we must contribute towards building a strong platform of cooperation based on trust.

Whilst we do not wish to revisit the past, Fahmi should appreciate the sincere approach adopted by the DAP in keeping its word and promises made without resorting to unilateral actions in defiance of Pakatan Harapan’s decisions.

SYERLEENA ABDUL RASHID is DAP Wanita national assistant publicity secretary, Penang DAP assistant publicity secretary, Penang DAP Wanita political education director and MBPP councillor.