KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) president P. Punithan stressed that there was no conflict between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS following the absence of PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the pre-meeting discussion session at the residence of PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last night.
According to Punithan, the relationship between all component parties in the coalition remains stable, and the spirit of camaraderie continues to be the main principle in determining the direction of PN ahead of the next election.
“Everything is okay, PN is stable and steady. Even if PAS is not present (at the meeting), it won’t affect anything. We will discuss it again (with PAS) after this.”
“There was no unrest, everything went smoothly. We are still together to face the next election,” he said when met by the media after the meeting.
The meeting, which took place at Muhyiddin’s residence in Bukit Damansara, was also attended by Gerakan President Dominic Lau, as well as Punithan representing MIPP.
Abdul Hadi, however, was confirmed not to be present.
Punithan explained that Abdul Hadi’s absence was not unusual in the political world and should not be interpreted as a sign of internal friction.
“PAS did not give the reason for the absence, but that is normal. They are still ‘ our brothers .’ Loyalty is still high and we continue to discuss with PAS as usual,” he explained.
He added that PN is currently refining several matters regarding the new direction of the coalition and wants all party leadership to reach a consensus before finalizing it.
Asked about the possibility of a PN Supreme Council Meeting being held in the near future, Punithan said it depended on the agreement of all component parties.
Meanwhile, Dominic, when met by the media immediately after leaving Muhyiddin’s residence, only explained that “everything is okay” without commenting further on the substance of the discussion.
-Agency
