KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu has appointed 12 representatives led by president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to the federal-level consultative committee with PAS to come up with strategies for the 15th general election.
Secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the party’s supreme council also decided to expedite the appointment of division chiefs for associate members, so as to empower and increase their involvement across the country.
In a statement, he reiterated that Bersatu remains committed to strengthening its cooperation with Perikatan Nasional parties PAS, Sabah Star, Sabah Progressive Party and Gerakan.
He said Bersatu is ready to assist Gabungan Parti Sarawak, especially ahead of the state election, and that it is open to helping those who back Muhyiddin as prime minister.
“Bersatu urges the Election Commission to expedite the implementation of Undi18, which allows those aged 18 to 20 to vote.
“We are committed to continue focusing and enhancing the party’s work at every level in an effort to help Malaysians still affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenging global economic situation.”
In a possible snub to Umno’s election aspirations, its Muafakat Nasional partner PAS and former ally Bersatu this week pledged to form a consultative committee in preparation for GE15.
A joint statement by Hamzah and PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the two parties will devise strategies and a direction in relation to seat negotiations.
PAS and Bersatu met the day before following “recent political developments”, in reference to the recently concluded Umno general assembly.
“Any decision made in the consultative committee meeting will be brought to the PN supreme council for collective approval,” said the joint statement.
“Bersatu and PAS firmly reject any new alignment of the government after GE15, especially if it involves Pakatan Harapan and its allies.
“Bersatu and PAS are always committed towards the unity of the ummah and the unity of our diverse communities, and will cooperate with those who abide by this concept. Any attempt to undo the present unity and threaten the PN government that we have built together will be rejected.”
During the Umno assembly last weekend, the party leadership unanimously agreed to quit the PN government, pending president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s decision on the implementation of a timeline.
While Umno also resolved to sever ties with Bersatu in GE15, it remains open to working out a deal with PAS under the MN banner. – The Vibes, April 4, 2021
