COMMENT | Now that season 7 of Game of Thrones is over, the ongoing internal spat within PKR and Pakatan Harapan may take over as the biggest drama in town.

I try to stay away from the “let’s grab some popcorn” type of thing, because it always makes me think of people who are more passive spectators than active change makers, and people who get a kick out of watching others go through difficult times.

The conflict is most commonly described as those for continued negotiation with PAS, and those against.

I think that objectively, there are arguably valid reasons that support each perspective. Let’s examine those again briefly before moving the discussion to what really matters about the fight that is unfolding.

Avoiding three-cornered fights?

The more I think about it, the more it seems likely that the Azmin Ali faction is attempting to negotiate with PAS to avoid three-cornered fights for Selangor state seats in the next general election.

In doing so, I imagine Azmin (photo) will offer concessions in almost every other state.

Perhaps the real split in the party is between those who believe Selangor and its resources and patronage networks must be secured at all costs, versus those who don’t believe Selangor (under Azmin) is everything.

Those who condone continuing negotiations with PAS are correct mainly on one point: should three-cornered fights be the norm nationwide, the opposition will likely be effectively wiped out.

Those on the opposing side may disagree, perhaps out of sincere hope, or merely because that is the best front they can hope to present, regardless of what will happen.

However, the electoral math and past results do not leave much room for objective doubt.

Those who are against continued negotiations with PAS are correct mainly about this: that continuing attempts to negotiate will be useless because PAS has already made up its mind.

Could PAS compromise?

As evidence of this, I would submit that there is no record of any major PAS leader giving the slightest bit of indication whatsoever that PAS might even consider any sort of negotiation or compact with Pakatan Harapan - absolutely zero.

What we have instead is the non-stop tirade of PAS leaders, emboldened by president Abdul Hadi Awang no doubt, going on and on about how they will not work with Harapan.

If you’re wooing a boy or a girl who keeps rejecting your advances, perhaps it is time to take the hint...