Although PSM has individual support from Pakatan leaders, there is 'no general consensus' supporting their inclusion in the pact.PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Rakyat coalition will “never” accept Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) into its fold, PKR’s Saifuddin Nasution said today.
He said the general consensus is that the doors are closed to PSM.
“I stand by my earlier statement on the position of PSM being accepted by Pakatan.
“For the last five years as a member of Pakatan’s leadership council, I am crystal clear about the issue and collective stand by DAP, PAS and PKR.
“There will never be consensus for them (PSM) to be a part of the coalition,” he told FMT.
Saifuddin said this in response to open support voiced by several Pakatan leaders for PSM’s inclusion in the pact.
Both DAP and PAS have at different times expressed their support for PSM’s entry into the fold.
Last week, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh reportedly said that it was better to have PSM in Pakatan as this move would avoid three-cornered fights between the opposition and PSM in the 14th general election.
Karpal had also called for the coalition to reconsider its decision.
Selangor PAS deputy commissioner Khalid Samad had also given his “conditional” support for PSM’s inclusion.
Khalid said PSM was welcome as long as “it is DAP that gives up its seats (for PSM) during elections”.
Saifuddin admitted that although there were “different views” on the issue ranging from “strong reservation” to “full support of the idea”, a common consensus was not forthcoming.
“I may be speaking out based on my short experience in Pakatan’s leadership council, but I can say there will be no consensus on the issue (for PSM to join Pakatan),” he said.
When asked if PSM has been informed, he “supposed” the small party had been informed of the decision by someone from the Pakatan secretariat.
