BERSATU is prepared to clash head-on with its own coalition partner PAS in the forthcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections if the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Supreme Leadership Council fails to convene and negotiate a strategy, party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin declared.
The former prime minister revealed that no high-level meetings have been called to prepare for the crucial state polls, creating a dangerous vacuum that could split the opposition vote.
“We have already calculated and recalculated, (if) we split we will not win many seats. But it does not matter,” Muhyiddin stated during a press conference late last night, following a Bersatu supreme council meeting at the party's headquarters.
Lamenting the breakdown in communication, Muhyiddin added: “We are ready to fight, because there is no consultation (at PN level)… that’s okay if they (PAS) want to fight here and there.”
The Bersatu chief directed his frustration toward the current Perikatan Nasional Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, for failing to coordinate the coalition's machinery.
“Appropriately, the PN Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar should call a meeting, we are quite disappointed that until today not a single meeting has been held, especially for election preparations,” Muhyiddin said, contrasting the current leadership style with his own tenure as coalition head.
“I am not comparing my greatness, but when I was the Chairman of the PN Supreme Council, I called (a meeting) for every by-election let alone a state election.”
With political tensions rising, Muhyiddin warned that the lack of structure invites an electoral free-for-all that would only benefit their rivals.
“I do not know why this is happening, now when the situation is critical, current political developments affect PN and the party's position, if there is no decision a 'free for all' (or candidates being allowed to contest anywhere) is dangerous, if that is the decision we will clash against each other,” he said.
Despite the internal friction, Muhyiddin maintained that Bersatu holds an excellent track record and remains focused on bread-and-butter issues plaguing the electorate.
“I have never lied, what is important is to focus on the people as the situation on the ground is becoming very difficult with the cost of living (issues) not being resolved. The burden of cost is now on all the people,” he said.
Muhyiddin then made a pointed remark regarding ownership of the PN’s identity, hinting at friction over the coalition's branding.
“That is what we want to focus on, that is why we want to enter the election, usually we use the PN logo and flag, even then throughout the country some people want to claim it as theirs and after that wants us to get out of our own house.
“We do not want to prejudice anyone but we will work hard, we ask Johor and Negeri Sembilan voters to support PN and Bersatu.” - June 17, 2026
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