I never claimed to have majority to come back as PM - Muhyiddin

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has disputed claims he approached key political leaders and told them he had mustered a majority to return as the prime minister.

This was after Warisan president Shafie Apdal claimed he met with Muhyiddin two months ago and was told by the Pagoh MP that he had the support of 119 parliamentarians.

A total of 111 MPs out of the 220 filled seats are needed for a majority. Muhyiddin, in a statement, described the claim as "untrue".

The former premier confirmed he met with non-BN party leaders but said it was to discuss an arrangement for direct fights against BN in the 15th general election (GE15).

"The matter was discussed informally when a number of opposition politicians met me after the Johor polls.

"Many believe that the best way to face GE15 is to work on a formula to ensure one-on-one fights against BN," he said.

Bersatu approved Muhyiddin’s move

Muhyiddin said BN's successes in the Malacca and Johor polls were due to their rival votes being split.

"Following this, I took the initiative to contact non-BN party leaders to share our view of one-on-one fights.

"The initiative was done with the agreement of the Bersatu political bureau and supreme council.

"I did not act unilaterally but received the mandate from the party," he said.

The Perikatan Nasional leader said a consensus was needed for GE15 to prevent the return of kleptocrats.

"I believe a majority of people reject kleptocracy and an effort must be made to stop BN from fully returning to power.

"In my series of discussions with non-BN party leaders, I took note of the position of the respective parties on the proposal," he added.

Muhyiddin stressed that Bersatu's door will be open to any non-BN party to formulate the best arrangement for GE15. - Mkini