Muhyiddin says PN to make comeback, he will contest in GE15

 

Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition he stitched together last year will make a comeback in the next general election.

Moreover, the former prime minister said he will take part in the election, expected to be held either next year or 2023.

In the meantime, however, he said the coalition will continue to be a part of the ruling government to help revive the economy following the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is until such time when an election can be held safely and the mandate is returned to the people to choose a new government.

“When that time comes, PN and I as its chairperson will take part in the election. God willing, with Allah’s grace and the support of the people, we will make a comeback,” he said in a speech in conjunction with Bersatu’s fifth anniversary last night.

Thus, he urged all Bersatu members to make preparations and focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots.

In addition, he urged party members to continue to help the people and strengthen cooperation with PN component parties, especially at the divisional and branch level.

“Our policy is that we cannot stand alone in the election. We need the support of PN component parties and other partners to win the election and form the government.

“(We need to) prove that Bersatu’s political culture is different. Our politics is the politics of service, of being concerned, of contributing to the people regardless of race and religion.

“Our politics is not of jealously and vendetta, not of extreme racial politics, not of provocation, greed and hunger for power,” he said.

Muhyiddin announced his resignation as prime minister on Aug 16 after losing support from a number of MPs.

This came after 15 Umno MPs pulled out, which left him with only 100 MPs on his side – 11 fewer than needed to secure a majority.

He is succeeded by Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob. In his speech last night, Muhyiddin explained why the party is supporting Ismail Sabri as prime minister.

He said if support is not given to Ismail Sabri, Malaysia’s political situation would remain uncertain because no one could secure majority support.

“Secondly, PH (Pakatan Harapan) with the support of kleptocrats could return to power with Bersatu in the opposition.

“So, I have discussed with Bersatu MPs and PN leaders in PAS, Star, SAPP, and Gerakan, as well as GPS and PBS to nominate Ismail Sabri as the new prime minister,” he said.

Muhyiddin defends handling of Covid

Muhyiddin also reiterated that his administration had not failed to tackle the Covid-19 situation.

He said his administration’s main strategy of vaccinations is now bearing fruit in hospitals throughout the Klang Valley - previously a pandemic hotspot - and is now seeing a reduction in patients while economic, social and sports sectors are gradually reopening.

“People are relieved because they could resume work, business and make a living. However, there are still many people who said we have failed. We haven’t; they just want to see us fail.

“So, while we were busy handling Covid-19, the people’s welfare, they are busy plotting to topple the government.

“I know many people don’t like what they have done, especially Bersatu members who want to continue to lead the PN government. But I must abide by the Federal Constitution.

“When I have lost majority support in the Dewan Rakyat, I must resign and that is what I have done,” he said. - Mkini