GE15: Muhyiddin gives his blessing to Umno-Bersatu team up in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic) has given his blessings for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to work together with Umno in Sabah during the general election as the political situation in the state was unique.

Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional chairman, said that Sabah Bersatu (that operates under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah or GRS coalition) was already working together with Umno in the Sabah government since 2020.

"It is an extraordinary situation, they are working together (in the state government), they have some differences here in Sabah and they can work together (in Sabah). It does not matter.

"I understand the situation, it is a special case," he told reporters after he was briefed by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who was both chairman for Sabah Bersatu and GRS on Tuesday (Oct 11).

Muhyiddin said this when asked how they could rationalise the working relationship between Bersatu and Umno in Sabah when the two parties were at loggerheads at the national level.

However, Muhyiddin said that whatever decisions should benefit Bersatu and the people.

"The principle (for seats) is whatever decision is made, priority is given to Bersatu, GRS and the benefit of the state," he added.

Muhyiddin said that the winning Bersatu candidates contesting under the GRS symbol were part of the Bersatu tally for the election.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said that GRS under Hajiji was leading the state government and had done well towards raising revenue to the state and bringing development.

On the possibility of PAS not working with Umno for GE15, Muhyiddin said it was up to PAS to make the decision.

However, he said the "path is clearer now" for PAS to work under Perikatan as they were also a founding member of the coalition.

"PAS has repeatedly said they remain an important partner of Perikatan. So in that sense it is much more clear now of what type of relationship they have with Umno.

"This will pave the way for Perikatan to work stronger and more effectively to secure more seats. So for me, good news," he added.