Perikatan’s ‘clean and stable’ tag under threat with Bersatu probe: academics

KUALA LUMPUR – The ongoing graft investigation into Bersatu and the freezing of its accounts have thrown a spanner in the works of Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) effort to showcase itself as a clean coalition, political analysts opined. 

However, they said the true extent of the impact of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) probe on PN’s reputation will only be known once the anti-graft body completes its investigation. 

Speaking to The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister-portal Getaran, Universiti Malaya academician Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi said this latest development involving Bersatu has somewhat tarnished PN’s name, with the outfit priding itself as “Bersih dan Stabil” (BEST), or clean and stable. 

“If the MACC probe proves wrongdoing, it will surely affect public support ahead of the six state elections to be held this year,” he said. 

“How far PN and Bersatu will be affected will depend on the result of the investigation. If the probe leads to court, then it will influence their chances in the coming polls.” 

Awang Azman said while PN can expect to lose some seats in the state polls, it should be able to defend the states currently under its control – Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah. 

The other three states which will face elections by the middle of this year are Pakatan Harapan-held Selangor, Penang, and Negri Sembilan. 

Yesterday, MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed Bersatu’s accounts have been frozen for investigations under money laundering laws over suspicion of receiving illegal proceeds.

Investigations are currently being conducted under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. 

It is believed that the probe is related to the RM92.5 billion in economic stimulus funds that were allegedly misappropriated when Bersatu chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was prime minister. 

For Universiti Sains Malaysia political science senior lecturer Prof Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, the MACC action is likely to affect Bersatu more than fellow PN-component PAS, seeing that the former is regarded as the party acting as the coalition’s financial arm. 

He noted that PAS, on the other hand, is more involved in matters involving machinery. 

This situation, he said, will likely see PAS survive any backlash if Bersatu is proven to be guilty of misappropriating public funds. – The Vibes, February 2, 2023