Perikatan's decision to contest BN candidates at Sabah election led to Bersatu fallout, says Najib

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan National’s decision to betray and contest against Barisan Nasional in the 2020 Sabah elections led to the fallout of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s alliance in Muafakat Nasional (MN), says Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The former prime minister said the incident occurred less than three weeks after the invitation letter for Bersatu to join the MN coalition was signed in August 2020.

“Perikatan fielded candidates to fight BN in 17 state seats in the Sabah election and fielded Independent candidates in six other constituencies contested by BN to split our votes,” he said in a Facebook post Sunday (Jan 30).

Najib said Barisan still won the greatest number of seats with 14 seats compared to 11 seats won by Bersatu but the Sabah Chief Minister post was appointed from Bersatu candidates.

He also noted that the 11 seats won by Bersatu were by candidates who were former Sabah Umno leaders who joined Bersatu after the 14th General Election.

“Because of that, Umno felt betrayed.

“Why do we need to work together and be friends with a party whose real intention was to end Umno by using various means, including bribing our members and treachery?” he asked.

Najib added that Umno grassroots members were aware of Bersatu’s betrayal and intentions and had unanimously decided, at Umno’s annual general assembly, against cooperating with Bersatu, including forming a political coalition with PN in GE15.