PN meeting next week to discuss Bersatu's future, Hamzah's entry

 

Perikatan Nasional’s future will be decided at a meeting next week, following days of acrimonious brickbats between its two largest parties, PAS and Bersatu, who have ended ties.

A source in Bersatu said the “critical” meeting will discuss that party’s continued presence in the opposition coalition and the pact’s future direction.

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

The meeting next week will also discuss preparations for the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state polls, which are expected to be held next month.

“Next week’s meeting is very critical. We will discuss the overall direction of PN, including whether Bersatu will continue to be part of it or whether there will be a new alignment,” a Bersatu source told Malaysiakini.

“We also are unsure whether PAS, as the head of PN, will call us,” said the source, referring to the fact that PN is now headed by PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who took over the coalition chairperson post from Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

PN chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar

Malaysiakini has contacted PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hasan for comments.

The possible admission of Hamzah, who was sacked at the height of infighting in Bersatu, into PN is another hot topic expected to be discussed in the meeting.

“(Hamzah) had been expelled from Bersatu, but his re-admission into PN is a hot topic because PAS seems supportive of the idea, but Bersatu leaders oppose it because they are worried that it could destabilise the party,” the source said.

Split after 6 years

PAS recently announced it would formally end political cooperation with Bersatu, citing the principle of penyatuan ummah (Muslim unity).

Tensions between the two main parties began late last year, when Muhyiddin stepped down as PN chairperson and Samsuri took over the coalition helm and as parliamentary opposition leader, a position which Hamzah used to occupy.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin

Ties between Bersatu and PAS worsened following the political turmoil in Perlis, when Bersatu moved to replace PAS’ Shukri Ramli as menteri besar with Bersatu’s Abu Bakar Hamzah.

PAS leaders described the Perlis episode as a betrayal, while Bersatu leaders claimed PAS was attempting to act as a “big brother” by interfering in Bersatu’s internal affairs.

Despite PAS’ decision to end ties with Bersatu, Muhyiddin reiterated his commitment to maintaining good relations between Bersatu and PAS within PN.

PAS meets Gerakan, MIPP separately

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It is also learnt that PAS held separate meetings with PN component parties MIPP and Gerakan today on the future of their alliance.

Malaysiakini has contacted MIPP and Gerakan for comment.

Gerakan and MIPP

Previously, PAS central committee member Annuar Musa said a musyawarah (consultative discussion) involving his party, Gerakan, and MIPP had already been arranged and expedited.

“PAS’ decision to end political cooperation with Bersatu was made for the mutual good after various efforts had been undertaken, but the situation remained unchanged.

“However, the decision at this stage only concerns the taawun (cooperation) between the two parties and does not in any way involve PN.” - Mkini