DAP is prepared to 'negotiate' an electoral understanding with Barisan Alternatif to ensure a straight fight with Barisan Nasional for the coming general election, said DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock today.

Kerk said he had been informed by acting secretary-general Chong Eng that the party "expressed readiness" to begin the negotiations at its recent central executive committee meeting.

Kerk was unable to attend the CEC meet as he is undergoing treatment for rectal cancer.

In an e-mail communique, the DAP leader stressed that the possibility of the party rejoining BA does not arise, but it is "keen and prepared" to work with the opposition front to form an electoral understanding.

DAP withdrew from BA last September after failing to resolve its differences with then ally PAS over the latter's aim of setting up an Islamic state.

Asked who would initiate the first move in the current climate of 'cooperation', Kerk replied: "It does not really matter. Either side can make the move."

Yesterday, PAS president Fadzil Noor told delegates attending the party's 48th annual general assembly in Kelantan that he did not rule out the possibility of PAS working with DAP in the next polls.

Fadzil said PAS was activating its election machinery and BA was finalising its common manifesto in anticipation of a snap general election.

"We will review our strategies either with BA partners or those outside BA. We are ready to engage with any party in search of a common stand for our common benefit," he said.

Overlapping interests

Although touted as a positive move, political observers say the partnership may cause problems in terms of overlapping interests in seats of certain states, especially constituencies with a mixed racial composition.

However, Kerk does not foresee any problems with PAS but expressed concern about another BA party, Keadilan.

"I see that we will not have much problem with PAS. We may have more clashes with Keadilan though," he said.

Due to their multi-ethnic composition and relative strength, both DAP and Keadilan are seen as capable of securing seats in mixed constituencies.

"We expect to take much more time for seat negotiations for Penang and Perak. However, I believe that problems can be finally resolved or be reduced to the minimum," added the DAP leader.

Reiterating that DAP will not return to BA due to irreconcilable differences with PAS, Kerk, however, said that cooperation between the opposition parties would ensure that an effective challenge is mounted against the BN.

"This is also compatible with the wishes of opposition supporters who want to see a united opposition in the country," he added.