KUALA LUMPUR: A five to 10% shift in support to Perikatan Nasional from non-Malay voters would help the Opposition coalition win big at the 16th General Election, says its chairman.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said this in his call for Perikatan members to redouble efforts to win over the community, which in the 15th General Election had shunned its parties of Bersatu, PAS and Gerakan.
“We have to find ways of gaining the support of the Chinese, Indian and other communities.
“For the Malays, it can be said that we have their support,” he said in his closing speech at the Perikatan Representatives Convention here yesterday.
“I have discussed this with (Gerakan president Datuk) Dominic (Lau), on what kind of strategies we can have to increase the support of non-Malays.
“We need to form a new image and (have) new approaches that could increase their confidence and support towards Perikatan – what are the main issues that interest them and would make them understand the workings of the coalition.”
Muhyiddin said Perikatan would be fair and responsible towards Malaysia’s Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Kadazan, Dusun, Iban, Murut and Orang Asal communities.
Increasing non-Malay support is part of Perikatan’s 20-point resolution that he announced, with the theme “Building a Dignified Future”.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, said the coalition will go on a nationwide roadshow after Hari Raya Aidilfitri to explain current issues facing the public.
The roadshow will also include Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“The roadshow would highlight various issues affecting the people and tune in to their worries and concerns. It will also show them our roles in helping them,” he added.
Muhyiddin also called on Perikatan elected representatives to promote its administration in four states, namely Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.
“I call on the MPs to become ‘salesmen’ for all four states. It is our responsibility to be involved in developing the Perikatan-led states,” he said.
On a separate matter, Muhyiddin said there were many Bersatu state assemblymen from Selangor who had met him and denied that they would shift their support to the Pakatan Harapan administration.
This is after Selat Klang assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari announced his support for Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
“At the parliament level, there is no issue. The position (of the party) is still strong and we have amended our constitution.
“That would signal to all (members of the party) and others about the measures taken by Bersatu.
“We are hopeful there will be no more treachery among MPs,” he told a press conference.
