APNU Parliamentary chief whip Ganesh Mahipaul says efforts to establish a unified parliamentary Opposition with the We Invest in Nationhood party have broken down, citing what he described as a lack of cooperation from WIN.
In a statement issued today, Mahipaul said he made several attempts on behalf of A Partnership for National Unity to engage WIN on forming a collective Opposition that could more effectively hold the PPP/C Government accountable in the National Assembly.
According to Mahipaul, the only tangible progress was a single telephone discussion during which there was agreement on a proposed agenda. That agenda, he said, included discussions on parliamentary committees, the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee, sectoral committees and the appointment of Shadow Ministers.
However, Mahipaul said WIN had committed to proposing a date, time and venue for a formal meeting to advance those talks, but months have passed without any follow up.
As a result, APNU has moved ahead independently with the naming of its Shadow Ministers and will continue to represent the electorate while discharging its constitutional responsibilities as an Opposition in Parliament.
Mahipaul said APNU remains open to working with other opposition forces, but will not continue to pursue engagements where there is no demonstrated willingness to collaborate.
He also levelled criticism at WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed, alleging that Mohamed is currently more focused on addressing his legal challenges than on meeting the wider responsibilities of a Member of Parliament.
APNU said it will continue to perform its role in the National Assembly while urging opposition forces to put aside differences and work together in the national interest.
