Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged leaders of opposition parties to set aside their differences and work towards building a new and stronger alternative political force in the country.

"We must resolve the little disagreements we have and look at the bigger picture which is to build a peaceful and happy nation under a fair, just and transparent government. We must also ensure any profit made by the people would be equally distributed among them," he told his 500-strong supporters in Shah Alam last night.

"I hope that Keadilan (PKR), together with its allies in PAS and DAP can discuss among themselves new dimensions to forge a stronger collaboration," Anwar added at the buka puasa function.

The veteran politician also urged the opposition parties not to be hoodwinked by the mainstream media's agenda to break the cooperation among them by highlighting their differences.

"Why should we allow others to determine our agenda? PAS cannot work with DAP, why? Because the mainstream media said so. Keadilan cannot work closely with PAS because the mainstream media is uneasy on the relationship. Who dictates our policy and future? Them or us. We should be the one to dictate our policies based on our priorities and common agenda."

'Politics of enmity'

He also reminded the opposition not to practise "politics of enmity" as practised by some leaders in the current administration.

"I disagree if we continue our agenda (for reform) through politics of enmity like what is done by our opponents. We should instead monopolise on what little mandate and space to be with the people, to get closer to them and understand them better."

"We should not make enemies with their parties. Our enemies should be those who are corrupt who continue to victimise the people. This should be clear."

Also present at the gathering was PAS central committee member Dr Hatta Ramli who agreed with Anwar's statement of the need to renew efforts and consolidate the opposition front.

"PAS has always encouraged the DAP to return to the fold. If Anwar or anyone else is to start new discussions on this matter, I think the party would accept it whole heartedly. I think Anwar can play the role (of a mediator) well."

Best mediator

DAP central committee member and Sungai Pinang state assemblyperson Teng Chang Kim who also attended the gathering yesterday, agreed that Anwar is the best person to be the mediator among opposition parties.

"I think DAP will welcome Anwar's efforts to unite the opposition parties. So far he is the only one who has the influence over all the opposition parties. He is the unifying factor."

However, Teng was quick to add that it would not be an easy task for Anwar.

"The opposition has to stretch out and come out with a formula that is acceptable to all before they can embark on any new spheres of cooperation."

Meanwhile, malaysiakini was told that Anwar had also raised the importance of strong collaboration among different parties in the opposition to PKR supreme council members in his first official meeting with them at the PKR headquarters yesterday.

Calling the meeting "frank and clear", PKR youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor said Anwar spoke on the need of working closely not only with PAS and DAP but also with non-governmental organisations and media groups that support the "reform" agenda.

"He also spoke on the rationale of the merger between Keadilan and PRM and how it benefits us. It was a good meeting and he was very clear about the future direction of the party."

Vice-president Tian Chua described Anwar's first address to party leaders as "inspiring" and that it was "his best speech yet".

"I think he had wanted to say those things to us for a very long time. It was very well delivered and gave us a good perspective of what the struggle is all about," he said.

"Even those who were reluctant about the merger appeared satisfied. He (Anwar) also reacted very well to the many questions posed to him."