Hadi: Bersatu's status as PN member lies with Gerakan, MIPP

As Bersatu moves to stake its claim on Perikatan Nasional, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said today that any decision on Bersatu’s status will rest with fellow component parties Gerakan and MIPP.

Speaking to reporters in Rusila, Terengganu, Hadi said any move concerning Bersatu’s position in PN following PAS’ decision to break ranks would require majority support from coalition members.

“It is up to Gerakan and MIPP now whether Bersatu stays within PN or not.

“Because in PN, the constitution says any decision whether to remove or admit must be made by the majority of component members,” said Hadi.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini quoted a source as saying that PN’s supreme council, led by PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, is expected to meet next week to discuss Bersatu’s future in the coalition.

Also on the agenda is whether PN will finally admit former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin and a group of ex-Bersatu MPs into the coalition.

Former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin

At the same time, at least two Bersatu leaders have maintained that the party remains committed to its role as a centre-right Malay party within PN.

Malaysiakini also reported that PAS held separate meetings with MIPP and Gerakan yesterday to discuss the future of their alliance.

Hamzah’s possible entry

Meanwhile, when asked whether Larut MP Hamzah’s “Reset” movement would be admitted into PN, Hadi indicated that a decision would be made at next week’s meeting.

“Because we want to attract as many Muslims and non-extreme non-Muslims into PN,” said Hadi, who repeated claims that Bersatu had “blocked” the entry of smaller political parties into the coalition.

Earlier today, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz dismissed Hadi’s allegation that Bersatu had weakened PAS’ role within PN and prevented other parties from joining the coalition, describing the claim as “simply not true”.

Separately, the Reset movement’s Facebook page shared a statement by MIPP president P Punithan, conveying best wishes for Reset’s convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, tomorrow.

“May the Reset convention inspire fresh ideas, strengthen unity among Malaysians, and contribute meaningfully towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and inclusive nation.

“MIPP also hopes that all Reset leaders, members, and supporters will continue to stand firmly behind the struggle and aspirations of PN,” he said.

Hadi is scheduled to launch the Reset convention, with thousands expected to attend. - Mkini