[UPDATED] Now, Perikatan says will consider unity govt with ‘like-minded parties’

KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) has made an about-turn today, with the coalition now saying it is open to the idea of a unity government.

In a brief statement, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the decision was made during its supreme council meeting this morning.

“The meeting today discussed the proposal to form a unity government at the federal level.

“In line with this, we have agreed to consider the suggestion, which will involve discussions with like-minded parties, for the sake of the rakyat’s well-being and the country’s stability.”

Hamzah’s statement today comes just two days after PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin outright rejected the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's suggestion for a unity government with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

In a press conference after his audience with the King on Tuesday, Muhyiddin had said that the coalition had from the beginning decided not to cooperate with its political rival. 

He told the media that while he did sign a document given by the Agong for the formation of a unity government, he left a short note to say that he does not agree to the proposal. 

Muhyiddin had also expressed his bemusement over why the Istana Negara did not acknowledge his claim of purportedly having the support of 115 MPs. 

The tone of his presser after his audience with His Majesty was in stark contrast to that of PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who expressed his gratitude over the Agong’s wish for a strong, formidable and inclusive government. 

In the recently-concluded general election, PH garnered the most seats at 82, followed by PN with 73, although both coalitions did not acquire the minimum number of seats to form the government. – The Vibes, November 24, 2022