PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) decision to use its own logo in the Negeri Sembilan state election amounts to a voluntary "mufarakah" (parting ways or separation) from Perikatan Nasional (PN), according to PN information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
Annuar said Bersatu announced its decision before PN's Supreme Council recent special meeting, which was scheduled to finalise candidate selections, seat allocations and the coalition's symbol for the Aug 1 polls.
Annuar said while Bersatu had the right to make the announcement, the move reflected the party's decision to distance itself from the coalition arrangement.
"The decision was not something unexpected because since last month, we had been informed and provided with written evidence and information regarding Bersatu's plans to establish another political platform apart from PN.
"We also understood from the beginning Bersatu's consistent opposition towards efforts for Malay unity and consensus, as well as its rejection of opening PN to more Malay-based parties," he said in a Facebook post.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced on Wednesday that the party would field its candidates under its own logo in the Negeri Sembilan election after PN failed to reach a final agreement on seat allocations.
Muhyiddin said the decision followed the indefinite postponement of the PN Seat Negotiation Committee meeting, while Bersatu was not involved in discussions over the distribution of seats.
Annuar claimed Bersatu had previously requested to contest 15 seats in Negeri Sembilan, but the demand was difficult to fulfil as PN comprises six component parties competing for a limited number of constituencies.
"Whatever reason is given for contesting under its own logo in the Negeri Sembilan state election, we understand it, especially since Bersatu had officially informed the PN Seat Negotiation Committee that it wanted 15 seats as its wish list for the election.
"That request could not be fulfilled by PN, which has six component parties and fewer than 15 seats available. It is impossible for everything to be taken by Bersatu," he said.
Annuar said Bersatu was now free to contest any number of seats under its own symbol, adding that PAS placed greater emphasis on Malay unity rather than seat numbers.
"Bersatu is now free to contest 15 seats or more in the Negeri Sembilan state election. For PAS, unity among the community comes first, not the number of seats," he said.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party respected Bersatu's decision and would not interfere in the affairs of its coalition partner.
"That is their right and we will not interfere in the affairs of another party," he said.
The Kubang Kerian MP, who is also PN deputy chairman, reiterated PAS' stance during the Johor state election, when the party instructed its supporters to back Barisan Nasional candidates in constituencies not contested by PAS.
"I am not sure whether Bersatu would rather see DAP or Pakatan Harapan win in Johor simply because PN was not contesting every seat," he said.
Tuan Ibrahim stressed that PAS' decision was based on its own political considerations and should not be viewed as a sign that the party's commitment to PN had weakened.
Muhyiddin announced on Wednesday night that Bersatu candidates would contest the Negeri Sembilan state election under the party's own logo, scheduled for Aug 1. - July 16, 2026
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