Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today refuted news reports on a merger proposal between her party and PAS.

"The news reports were mischievous, had no truth and misquoted both party leaders," she said when met at the Parliament lobby.

Over the weekend, several dailies reported that PAS had shot down an offer to merge that was purportedly extended by PKR advisor and former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar was said to have made the offer after a two-hour long meeting with PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

National news agency Bernama had reported that both leaders 'have a desire to form a coalition'.

Responding, Wan Azizah this was a non-issue since both PKR and PAS are already members of a coalition, Barisan Alternatif, which was formed in 1999.

"The reports were by design, we are already in a coalition, so why should we form another coalition or talk about merger?" she asked.

She said PKR and PAS would maintain their current relationship, and that PKR will remain a multi-ethnic based party.

Issue not raised

Wan Azizah, who had attended last Saturday's meeting between Anwar and Nik Abdul Aziz, said the merger proposal or the issue of PKR being dissolved to pave the way for the merger was never raised during their conversation.

"All Anwar mentioned was about enhancing co-operation between PAS and PKR, and with DAP," she said.

She said the meeting was nothing more than a courtesy call to express Anwar's appreciation to Nik Abdul Aziz (photo) for his support during the former's six-year imprisonment. Anwar was released four months ago.

Asked if these reports had surfaced because of Anwar's silence on his future, the PKR president disagreed.

She said her husband enjoyed a cordial relationship with the opposition leader and this is a clear indication of his stand.

"After all, Anwar is the PKR advisor, he is with the opposition ...," she said.

"On top of that, Anwar is also trying to rise above partisan politics because he wants to close ranks with all opposition parties," she added.

Anwar is banned from active politics until April 2008, because he has served a jail sentence for corrupt practice. He has kept everyone guessing about his plans.