Rashid, who is a member of PKR’s political bureau, said Saifuddin’s appointment was made with the consent of the party’s top leaders as it was part of a bigger plan by Pakatan Harapan to get closer to the Malay community.
“Saifuddin’s appointment is part of our strategy to further enhance Pakatan’s support from voters in the next general election, especially from the Malay community,” Rashid said today.
On Wednesday, Saifuddin took an oath of secrecy before Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng after he was appointed Lim’s strategic adviser. The announcement of the appointment was posted on Lim’s Facebook page the same day.
Rashid revealed that Pakatan Harapan had grand plans to garner Malay support through its “Pemerkasaan Melayu” (Malay Empowerment) committee.
He said Saifuddin was also part of the committee, which was set-up to ensure unwavering Malay support towards the opposition coalition.
“We have Malay-study think-tanks from all over the country to help us. I cannot reveal all,” Rashid said, adding however that Saifuddin would play a dual role, in ensuring PKR’s seats in Penang were retained with increased majorities.
PAS newsletter Harakahdaily however poured scorn on Saifuddin’s appointment, calling it an incentive by the DAP government to entice PKR to stick together.
When asked about PAS’s apparent displeasure over Saifuddin’s appointment, Rashid said the Islamist party had a right to voice their opinions as much as they pleased.
“PKR has been trying to cooperate with PAS on a smaller scale, but when we call on them, they do not show up,” Rashid said without elaborating further.
Lidah rasmi PAS bidas pelantikan Saifuddin sebagai ‘dedak DAP’