KUALA LUMPUR – As Umno prepares to “divorce” Bersatu come the next general election, its Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact with PAS might not stand the test of time.
A survey by the PKR-linked Institute Darul Ehsan (IDE) revealed that Umno and PAS supporters have very different perceptions towards Bersatu president and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Although Umno has repeatedly stated that the party will continue to strengthen MN, PAS supporters are leaning towards Perikatan Nasional (PN), an alliance Umno seems eager to exit.
“Some 72% of Umno supporters surveyed (want) to dissolve Parliament and have a general election soon. While 69% are of the view that Muhyiddin has failed to handle the pandemic,” said the pollster.
The survey also stated that the average rating given by Umno supporters for the prime minister is three, on a scale of 1 to 10, is three. This is stark contrast to PAS supporters, whose evaluation of Muhyiddin’s leadership averaged eight out of ten.
“It is clear based on the data, respondents have a low perception of the PN government, especially on the grassroots level.”
Only last year, the MN leadership agreed to register its coalition, but recent political shake-ups may strain the relationship.
While Umno categorically said that it will not extend its political ties come GE15 and the dissolution of Parliament, Bersatu turns to its PN allies to win votes.
The Umno-dominated Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) yesterday released similar statements calling for Parliament to reconvene, which raised questions if the two coalitions are working together.
But the BN secretariat announced that an internal investigation will be initiated following yesterday’s statement, which executive secretary Mohamad Sahfri Ab Aziz said did not accurately reflect what was discussed and decided at a recent supreme council meeting. – The Vibes, March 5, 2021
