Malaysia

PSM yet to decide on joining Perikatan Nasional, says deputy chair

Party confirms no commitment to any bloc despite meeting opposition leaders for cross-party discussions

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 19 Jul 2025 4:13PM

PSM yet to decide on joining Perikatan Nasional, says deputy chair
Arutchelvan says they attended the meeting because it does not conflict with PSM’s position to participate in discussions when invited by any political party - July 19, 2025

THE Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) has not made any decision to join Perikatan Nasional (PN) or any new political alliance, its deputy chairman S Arutchelvan confirmed on Saturday.

He said that while PSM maintains a political understanding with the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and the Malaysian People's Party (PRM), formal decisions regarding any coalition memberships must be made by the party’s national congress, in line with its practice of democratic centralism.

“PSM was invited by the Perikatan Nasional Chairman and President of Bersatu, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to attend a meeting of opposition parties,” Arutchelvan said in a statement.

“We attended the meeting because it does not conflict with PSM’s position to participate in discussions when invited by any political party.

“Muhyiddin put forward proposals, including a cross-party understanding among opposition groups. PSM welcomed the discussion and offered our views, but no decision was made regarding joining PN or any new alliance,” he said.

Arutchelvan added that the party had previously engaged in similar understandings with Gagasan Demokrasi Rakyat (GDR) and the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat.

Muhyiddin had convened the meeting on Friday with 11 leaders from various non-government parties to explore the formation of a united front that prioritises the interests of the people and the nation.

Among those present were Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin; Gerakan President Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai; Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) President Punithan Paramsiven; Pejuang President Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir; and PUTRA President Datuk Ibrahim Ali.

Also in attendance were Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz; PPP Youth Leader Sathiah Sudakaran; BERJASA President Zamani Ibrahim; Urimai President Dr P Ramasamy; and Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) President P Waytha Moorthy. - July 19, 2025

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