SHAH ALAM, Nov 12 ― Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) will be incorporated into Pakatan Harapan soon, PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said today.

He said the two-month old Umno breakaway force has agreed in principle to the Opposition bloc’s framework, but said there were some details that need to be ironed out before PPBM officially becomes part of the team.

"But, the bottom line is that PPBM has agreed in principle that Pakatan Harapan is a new force that can work together with them to face PRU14,” the Selangor said at the inaugural Pakatan Harapan convention here.

Azmin also said the member parties will come up with a unifying logo, name and common objectives to go toe-to-toe against the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition at the 14th general elections due by 2018.

Despite the additional strength from PPBM, the PKR second-in-command said his party would continue efforts to engage with PAS on behalf of Pakatan Harapan.

"The position of PKR is clear. We will continue to maintain our working relationship with PAS,” he said.

Dr Mahathir now wears Anwar on his shirt, Shah Alam, November 12, 2016. ― Picture courtesy of Kamles Kumar/Twitter page

Although PPBM’s inclusion would boost the pact’s support, he said PAS cooperation is still important, especially if Pakatan Harapan hoped to capture the Malay heartland states like Kelantan and Terengganu.

"We need to discuss this and hopefully a consensus can be reached by the 14th general elections.

"We cannot afford three cornered fights. It doesn’t work in the current political landscape here. We must work together to form this understanding,” he said.

He added that a decision must be made at least six months before the next general elections to ensure the political campaign machinery is ready.

However, speculation has been rife that national elections may be called as early as next year.

Recognising the urgency, Azmin said the political parties will need to set aside the personal rivalries and work together on common policies that will benefit the people if they are to defeat the BN.

"We have to swallow our pride and put the interest of our nation before party interest. There are differences but many areas can form common platform for us to work together like economic issues and sovereignty of the country,” he said.