KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — Plans by opposition forces to regroup under a strengthened coalition some have dubbed “Pakatan 2.0” are still on track, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today in a message through his lawyers.
The PKR adviser said the coalition, which is expected to replace the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat (PR), will work together with NGOs like Bersih 2.0, ABIM, IKRAM and Gerakan Harapan Baru, and will offer Malaysians a viable alternative to the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Our country continues in a state of worsening crisis, whilst the BN government remains in denial. At this crucial time, Malaysians must come together, united and resolved, to save our country,” he said.
“This coming together of a wide range of groups committed to reform and change, will offer a genuine democratic and just alternative to the rakyat.
“Let us all put aside all other considerations and differences, and focus upon this great struggle to save Malaysia,” he added.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the revamped version of PR will be unveiled after the Hari Raya festivities.
PR was declared dead by the DAP shortly after PAS decided during its June 6 muktamar to cut ties with its ally over a number of key ideological differences like its plan to introduce hudud in Kelantan.
Shortly after the declaration, the Penang government declared that it no longer considers itself to be a PR government.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state leadership, with the consensus of all 30 DAP, PKR and PAS assemblymen, has decided that its administration should be referred to as just the “Penang state government” while the state will continue to be governed according to the now-defunct pact’s 2009 Common Policy Framework.
On June 23, Anwar confirmed the realignment of forces on the country’s opposition front and said the new coalition will be a collaborative effort that includes NGOs.
