Tajuddin concedes Umno, PAS, Bersatu competing at grassroots level

Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman conceded that Umno, PAS and Bersatu are competing at the grassroots level despite being part of the Perikatan Nasional government.

"At the grassroots level, there appears to be competition between Umno, Bersatu and PAS.

"We are seeing that among the grassroots leader, there is jostling for positions such as at the village level, local councillor and others," the Umno lawmaker told Malaysiakini in an interview.

However, Tajuddin (photo) said Umno's strength is at the grassroots level and that should be considered in the allocation of positions.

"At the grassroots level, there lies the strength of a party. Umno has many branches... there should be a fair distribution of positions to those who deserve it," he said.

Bersatu is presently split between Muhyiddin Yassin's faction and party chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad's faction.

The Harapan government collapsed in late February after Muhyiddin took Bersatu out of the coalition and joined forces with a group of PKR defectors led by former PKR deputy president, Azmin Ali.

Together with BN, PAS, GPS and other minor parties, they formed the new PN government.

Mahathir had indicated he plans to wrest back control of the party in the next Bersatu election.

Two months after the formation of the PN government, friction between Umno and Bersatu has become apparent, particularly in Johor, with leaders speaking out against each other.

At the state level, Bersatu grassroots have complained about being pressured by Umno while at the federal level, Umno had complained about being given less significant positions.

Despite the differences, Tajuddin lauded Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president.

He said the primary goal of Umno and Bersatu cooperating is simply to get rid of DAP in the government.

"Like it or not, we have to consider the problem. As the prime minister has said, there needs to be political stability so a resolution was needed.

Tajuddin said the prime minister had shown good leadership, particularly in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The economic stimulus package (which he unveiled) not only helps the economy to remain resilient but is also aimed at helping the people," he said. - Mkini