Quit govt? Muhyiddin says Bersatu acting in public, national interest

 

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin today said any attempts by the party to exit the federal government and trigger a general election in the current pandemic would invite severe public backlash. 

Despite its now strained ties with Umno, Muhyiddin (above) said Bersatu had taken into consideration public and national interests to avoid unnecessary loss of lives amid the Omicron wave.

"It’s so that no lives are lost over such a stupid move. Taking such action (triggering a general election) just for our party’s interest.

"The people would say 'what the hell are you trying to do? In this Omicron (wave). Do you want to see us die?' That would be their question," he said at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.

The former prime minister said this when directly asked to justify Bersatu's insistence to remain in Putrajaya with Umno and PN despite its recent fallout leading up to the Johor state election. 

"I want to ask you (the media), are you not concerned? 

"People keep asking me about 'pushing the button', but would it be appropriate to do so in the current situation, for my interests, for my party's interests?

"If you have power and you abuse your power just because of your own self-interest at the expense of the livelihood of your people, I think that is most irresponsible," the Pagoh MP stressed. 

Last November, Muhyiddin, who is also Gambir assemblyperson, in a swipe at Umno veteran Shahrir Samad had reportedly said he was not afraid to "press a button" and trigger the downfall of the Johor government.

Muhyiddin at the time also claimed he had resisted withdrawing support for incumbent Johor menteri besar Hasni Mohammad out of concern for the people. 

'PN seats finalised'

Bersatu will be entering the Johor polls alongside PAS and Gerakan as the Perikatan Nasional coalition and Muhyiddin said seat negotiations among the three parties will be concluded by tomorrow.

"There are two or three overlapping seats with Gerakan that need to be resolved," said the PN chairperson.

At the same time, he said the Johor elections would be an opportunity for voters in the state to consider whether they want to continue being associated with corrupt leaders from BN, including from the "court cluster".

The Election Commission is set to meet on Feb 9 following the dissolution of the Johor state assembly.- Mkini