SHAH ALAM - Amanah Communications Director Khalid Abd Samad has denied claims that the party is obsessed with power after urging Barisan Nasional (BN) to be open to seat allocations in the Johor and Melaka state elections.
Instead, he said Amanah upholds the principle of consensus in cooperation and coalition-building, contrary to allegations made by Johor Umno secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman.
Khalid cited Amanah’s decision to give up several state assembly and parliamentary seats to Muda in previous elections to facilitate cooperation within Pakatan Harapan (PH) as proof of its commitment to unity.
“If Amanah were power-crazy, this would not have been done. Those obsessed with power are the ones unwilling to negotiate and discuss to ensure coalition stability and that is not us.
“Amanah embraces the concept of a Unity Government, where forming alliances and sharing power are prioritised in the national interest.
“Putting party interests first clouds judgment. Power-sharing within a coalition is clearly the better option,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Earlier, Halim had claimed that Amanah’s repeated calls for seat allocations in Johor and Melaka reflected an obsession with positions and power rather than service to the people.
He made the remarks in response to Khalid’s earlier call for BN to be more open and willing to negotiate, including relinquishing seats it currently holds in both states.
Meanwhile, Khalid urged parties within the Madani Government to strengthen unity and stability through cooperation, stressing that each party brings its own strengths to the coalition.
“As Muslims, we are reminded in Surah Al-Imran, verse 159, to consult in matters of governance and place our trust in Allah once a decision is made,” he said, expressing hope that all parties in the Unity Government would prioritise collective interests over individual party agendas.