PSM central committee member S. Arutchelvan told FMT he expected the opposition coalition comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah to negotiate with the party at the eleventh hour “and then make all sorts of demands”.

“Then it will seem as though PSM is the one that’s being difficult,” said Arutchelvan.

He had earlier advised PH to start negotiations with PSM early, in order to have a broad coalition in the next polls.

Arutchelvan also denied there had been any serious engagement with PKR, as claimed by Tian Chua.

The PKR vice-president had said his party was in constant contact with PSM, which had in the past fielded candidates in the general election under the PKR banner.

“They have not sent us a formal letter or had a formal discussion with us or anything like this. Even in the previous elections, they wanted us to stand under their logo. We don’t think they take us very seriously,” said Arutchelvan.

He said PH must be clear what it meant by the term “broad coalition”.

“It always seemed as though they meant a three plus one kind of deal. They have not engaged us nor the other parties in Sabah and Sarawak, and that is what PSM wants: a broad coalition in the true sense of the word,” added Arutchelvan.

Meanwhile, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said there were many issues that PH must solve before inviting other parties.

“PSM has been a fraternity party for many years and we are in complete agreement that a broad coalition is needed,” he said.

“But I hope they understand that even with PPBM (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) it took a lot of time and we only signed an agreement with them just recently. We hope we can engage with all willing allies soon.”

PPBM recently signed an agreement with PH to ensure straight fights against Barisan Nasional at the next polls.