KULAI: Seat allocation for the general election has been finalised by Pakatan Harapan in several states, says DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

He said that seat negotiations among Pakatan component parties are progressing well, and that an announcement would soon be made on the finalised Parliamentary seats.

“Seat negotiation is still ongoing. In fact, I was informed that we have reached some resolutions in a meeting among component parties on Thursday (Sept 8).

“We have also finalised negotiations for Parliamentary seats for several states in Peninsular Malaysia, probably about three to four states,” he said in a press conference after launching Johor DAP’s new headquarters here on Friday (Sept 9).

He noted that Pakatan presidential council has also received an official application from Malaysian United Democratic Alliance’s (Muda) to join the coalition today.

“Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has submitted an official application to join Pakatan to the presidential council today.

“We will discuss the application in the upcoming presidential council and hope to come out with a final decision soon.

“We view the interest from other parties to join Pakatan as a positive thing, as it shows that there is something special and attractive about the coalition,” he said.

Asked if Muda’s participation in Pakatan would affect ongoing seat negotiations among existing component parties, Loke said that it would not.

“That will not be a problem, it (seat negotiation involving Muda) could be done later.

“We cannot be waiting for a decision to be made on Muda before starting seat negotiations.

“Seat allocation among existing component parties will continue. Once a final decision has been made (regarding Muda’s application) we could have further discussions (on seats for Muda),” he said.

On a separate matter, Loke said that he is prepared to defend his Seremban seat if Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin were to contest in the Parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election.

“I have to admit that I am worried (if Khairy were to contest in Seremban), as it will be an intense battle. Khairy is not some ordinary candidate.

“It depends on him. I have never challenged anyone but if someone were to challenge me, I will not back down.

“As the secretary-general of DAP, I am prepared to defend my seat in the upcoming general election,” he said.