[UPDATED] GE15 a delayed victory, GE16 will be ours: Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) denial to form the federal government after the 15th general election (GE15), despite initially securing majority support, is god’s test of the coalition’s perseverance. 

In this regard, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin described November’s federal poll as a delayed victory for the opposition coalition and expressed confidence that the next election will be theirs. 

“GE15 was a delayed victory for Bersatu and PN. We managed to obtain the support of 115 MPs, but god has fated that PN will not become the government this time,” he said in his policy speech at Bersatu’s general assembly, here, today. 

“Perhaps god is testing our patience – and indeed, He will be with those who persevere. God willing, and with the growing support for PN, GE16 will be ours.”

While not going into details, Muhyiddin was ostensibly referring to the initial support PN had following the conclusion of GE15, which saw no single coalition securing a simple majority to form the government. 

This includes the backing of 10 Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs, although the Umno-led coalition later threw their support behind Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.   

Muhyiddin said as a Muslim, he believes in fate – which was why he accepted with an open heart that PN has to temporarily play the opposition role in the current parliamentary term.   

The Bersatu president, however, said the recent corruption charges made against him will lead to the ultimate downfall of the ruling government, and that the coming six state elections will send a clear signal that the rakyat is with PN.   

Nonetheless, Muhyiddin warned the public to expect iron-fist actions taken by the ruling government in an attempt to remain in power.   

Among other things, he predicts a re-delineation of parliamentary constituencies soon to benefit the federal administration parties – and that media freedom as well as the people’s right to voice out and assemble will be restricted.   

“Don’t be surprised if TikTok users are arrested, while social media commentators will be oppressed.   

“This is their only way. When they are in the opposition, they slander. And now when they have power, they suppress.”

Zahid sealed Umno’s death   

Separately, Muhyiddin said Umno remaining under the stewardship of its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the party’s decision to cooperate with PH have effectively sealed the death of the Malay-based political outfit.   

“Umno under this individual is no longer prioritising the political power of the Malays, but it has become a tool to ensure PH remains in power.   

“To us and the majority of Malays, this is the end of Umno’s life. It is the final nail in Umno’s coffin.”

Muhyiddin noted how the largest and oldest political party in the country has strayed from its original goal of championing the rights of the Malays and Bumiputera – a duty he said is being carried out by Bersat today.   

The Pagoh MP also pointed out that Umno is merely now a minority component in a political alliance dominated by PH, while democracy is also virtually dead in the party when it disallowed the top two posts to be contested.   

“The objective of the party has switched from taking care of the interests of the Malays and Bumiputera to only certain individuals.   

“This individual is also being protected by the top leadership of the PH government. This individual must continue to lead Umno because, through this, PH can continue to be in power.”

Muhyiddin also expressed bemusement over Umno’s decision to work with PH, despite the latter supposedly sidelining the majority race.   

“This was why Bersatu decided to leave PH, while PAS decided to leave Pakatan Rakyat. Their (PH) struggles are different from ours. Unfortunately, Umno is willing to pawn its own party struggle just to protect certain individuals.   

“However, I believe the Malays realise this dirty political manoeuvring happening before their eyes. The Malays are more politically literate now, they can’t be made fools.” - The Vibes, March 12, 2023