[UPDATED] Muhyiddin warns of state polls backlash amid ‘persecution’ of PN leaders

KUALA LUMPUR – The current “witch-hunt” against Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders will result in severe public backlash against the government in the state elections later this year, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-PN) said in a warning to the ruling alliance.

Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat, the PN chairman claimed that the recent accusations and actions taken against his coalition members were nothing more than political persecution and an attempt to discredit them.

Despite this, he said Malaysians are well aware that these actions were malicious.

“Maybe because we are going to face six state elections soon, they (the government) are trying to paint our faces black and accuse us of being robbers so that the rakyat won’t support us,” he said when debating the royal address here today.

“But I believe the PN wave will continue in the six states. There will be backlash. I’m issuing a warning, don’t play around, this is the people’s sentiment.

“Millions of citizens are looking at the government’s spiteful conduct. I have been in the government for so long, but today I am speaking out. It’s not fair!”

Lamenting the persecution against him and his coalition, Muhyiddin, who was prime minister from March 2020 to August 2021, also reminded Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to abuse his power and that he would not stay prime minister forever.

“I have been the prime minister, and so has Bera (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob), who is also here. We were prime ministers, but our time was short. God can give us power but He can take it away from us too.

“Don’t think that you (Anwar) will remain forever. After you, there will be others. So, don’t mistreat people and do your work.”

In December, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had said it was probing into allegations of corruption involving funds supposedly misappropriated by a previous administration.

Sources from the anti-graft body had also told The Vibes previously that Muhyiddin would be among those summoned for questioning.

Earlier this month, the MACC confirmed that it had frozen accounts belonging to PN-component Bersatu on suspicion of receiving illegal proceeds, with investigations being done under the MACC Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.

Muhyiddin and other PN leaders have vehemently maintained innocence throughout.

Addressing the lower House today, the PN chief described the actions taken by the government as “witch-hunting”, and said the accusations of misappropriation by his administration can be construed as defamation.

“I don’t plan to take legal action yet, because I pity this new prime minister. Let’s give him a chance.”

However, Muhyiddin said the actions were inappropriate, and swore that he had not taken a single sen in illegal proceeds to date. 

“Whatever you do, let it have a basis. Don’t abuse your power. We don’t do that.” – The Vibes, February 15, 2023