‘Bersatu is split into two factions’

ALOR SETAR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia will be holding party elections soon to decide who leads the party, says its chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He admitted that the party is currently split between him and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“Bersatu has split into two, with some members following the president (Muhyiddin) and some following the chairman.

“We are still one party but a part of the party has accepted (Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak), ” said Dr Mahathir.

Asked which faction is the ‘real’ Bersatu, he replied: “We are still one Bersatu but there is a faction that follows Najib”.

Pakatan Harapan’s 22-month Federal Government came to an end following Bersatu’s pullout from the coalition and Dr Mahathir’s shock resignation on Feb 24.

Some Bersatu members, together with Barisan Nasional and PAS, have since come together to form Perikatan Nasional, which has endorsed Muhyiddin as the country’s eighth Prime Minister.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which has 18 lawmakers, has pledged its support for Muhyiddin but said it would not join the new coalition.

To another question about Muhyiddin’s statement that he had assumed the role of Bersatu acting chairman, Dr Mahathir said there was no such thing.

“The party’s constitution provides for only one chairman.

“He is not acting. I am still the chairman. What’s this about him being acting chairman? I did resign earlier but I later re-accepted the post.

“There will be an election in Bersatu soon to decide who leads the party, ” he told reporters after attending a feast at Dewan Wawasan in Jitra yesterday.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir briefed his audience on the nation’s latest political scenario.

He was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir and his wife Tok Puan Norzieta Zakaria.

Also present were former deputy finance minister Datuk Amiruddin Hamzah, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Ahmad Kassim, Kedah PKR chairman Datuk Johari Abdul and Kedah DAP chairman Tan Kok Yew.

Mukhriz, who is also Bersatu deputy president, took to the stage to deliver a briefing on the present status of the Kedah government.

He reaffirmed that everything was under control based on kata sepakat (mutual agreement).

“The state does not face big problems. The government voted by the people in 14th General Election is still ruling the state.

“We will make sure that all promises made will be carried out and fulfilled before the next general election.

“The welfare of the people is the top priority, ” he said. - Star