BERSATU president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has rejected suggestions that the party should be dissolved and its members return to UMNO, insisting that Bersatu will remain his political vehicle and continue its struggle.
Responding to a call by UMNO veteran Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff for Bersatu to be disbanded, Muhyiddin said there was no reasonable justification for ending a party that had been established nearly a decade ago.
"I do not see any reason why Bersatu should be dissolved. Over these 10 years, Bersatu has gone through a meaningful journey and it is not a party that appeared temporarily before disappearing.
"So, if in politics our intentions are good and we want to end our political struggle, what is the reason? Where would we go? Just sit and rest? They should respect our aspirations. Whether they support us or not is a separate matter.
"But instead, they say just dissolve it. Then they want everyone to join UMNO. UMNO is already filled with various problems. I was also expelled by UMNO. I did not leave.
"I was expelled by UMNO and only then did I lead Bersatu. Why should I return to UMNO? Does that make sense?" he told Berita Harian.
Earlier, Mohd Yussof urged Bersatu to dissolve and allow its members to return to UMNO in an effort to unite Malay political forces ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).
He claimed Bersatu had become increasingly marginalised in mainstream politics due to internal party issues and the challenges facing Perikatan Nasional (PN), the coalition it shares with PAS.
Mohd Yussof also pointed to Bersatu's failure to win seats in the recent Johor state election as evidence that the party was losing public support.
Muhyiddin, who is also a former prime minister, said Bersatu was founded on the principle of continuing a political struggle centred on the interests of the nation, religion and country, and therefore there was no reason to dissolve the party simply because of external pressure.
"This is democracy. If no one is willing to dedicate their time, energy and effort to fight for the nation, religion and country, then our struggle will come to an end. So do not look down on Bersatu 's struggle. Do not say that we are merely troublemakers or anything like that.
"My political thinking is not like that. I see that there are things and contributions I can make for the country. This is not a personal struggle.
"I established a movement and have a large team. Today, we have 5,000 branches and half a million members across 180 divisions.
"I have also told my members that even if I am left alone in this struggle, Bersatu will continue to exist and I will continue this fight," he said. - July 23, 2026
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