The DAP decision to invite Anwar Ibrahim to address a high-level party meeting last week and his decision to attend the event suggest the close ties between the two parties.

And DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng readily agreed that this was so.

"We have been cooperating with Anwar and his presence at our retreat signifies the good ties between the DAP and Anwar," he said when contacted by malaysiakini.

The two-day annual retreat of the DAP was held at Cameron Highlands, Pahang. This is the second time Anwar was invited to such a gathering with about 80 DAP leaders, who were believed to be planning strategies for the next general election.

Early last year, Anwar was also invited to a similar function at the same venue.
Lim refused to divulge much of what transpired at the retreat except to say that party leaders had "frank exchanges of views" with Anwar.

He said the discussion with the PKR adviser centred on national issues, ruling out seat arrangement talks for the next general election.

Can work with Anwar

Lim stressed that DAP's close ties merely involved the former deputy premier as an individual and not PKR per se.

Elaborating, he said: "It is very different, Anwar is someone we can work with; we share common understanding and consensus on some issues."

Asked to explain the difference between Anwar's views and that of PKR, Lim replied: "They are coming from different personalities."

Anwar, who briefed the PKR supreme council last Sunday about his presence at the DAP retreat, has expressed satisfaction on his meeting with DAP leaders at Cameron Highlands.

On PAS, Lim said the DAP has no "direct or indirect ties" with the party.

"I must say it categorically that it is a 'no' with PAS," he added.