KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has strongly rejected allegations by Tan Sri Annuar Musa that Bersatu voluntarily left Perikatan Nasional (PN), insisting that the party remains a legitimate founding member whose rights have been denied.
In a statement issued on Friday, Muhyiddin said Bersatu never chose to part ways with PN but was instead sidelined from key decision-making processes, including negotiations over seat allocations for the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election.
According to Muhyiddin, discussions on electoral seat distribution involving Bersatu were abruptly halted without reasonable justification. He also claimed that Bersatu was not invited to attend the Special Meeting of the PN Supreme Council, where the coalition finalised seat allocations among its component parties.
“How can Bersatu be accused of acting ahead of the coalition’s decision when we were not even invited to the meeting?” he questioned.
Muhyiddin also addressed recent revelations that PN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had authorised exploratory discussions with Barisan Nasional (BN). While he said he did not object to negotiations, he argued that any proposal involving cooperation with another political coalition should first have been deliberated and approved by the PN Supreme Council.
He criticised the process, claiming discussions were conducted without involving all PN component parties or obtaining a formal mandate from the coalition’s leadership, describing the approach as contrary to proper governance.
Reflecting on his tenure as PN chairman, Muhyiddin said he had always ensured that every component party was included in discussions on policy matters and electoral seat allocations during the coalition’s first five years.
“Today, everything has become chaotic,” he said.
Muhyiddin also dismissed Annuar’s accusation that Bersatu was obstructing Malay unity, describing the claim as “irresponsible.” He stressed that Bersatu was established as a Malay Bumiputera party and maintained that his commitment to Malay unity has never wavered.
He recalled that during the formation of Perikatan Nasional, he had envisioned the coalition as a broad political platform that would unite Malay-based parties, including UMNO, alongside multiracial parties. However, he claimed UMNO declined to join PN and later refused to formally become part of the PN-led federal government, despite several UMNO Members of Parliament supporting the administration.
Muhyiddin further alleged that UMNO lawmakers later conspired to bring down the PN government, which he described as a Malay-led administration. He claimed a similar political strategy is now being directed at the Unity Government formed by UMNO and Pakatan Harapan.
According to Muhyiddin, PAS’ decision to pursue cooperation with UMNO—despite UMNO’s continued partnership with Pakatan Harapan and DAP—ultimately resulted in Bersatu being excluded from Perikatan Nasional.
He argued that the current political realignment should not be portrayed as genuine Malay unity, but rather as a reshuffling of political power.
Despite his criticism, Muhyiddin wished Perikatan Nasional well, saying Bersatu would now move forward independently.
“Bersatu will not look back. The party will continue to stand firm and move forward, carrying its struggle for the sake of Malaysia and all its people,” he said.
— MINUTESMY
