SHAH ALAM: Perikatan Nasional is preparing to form an electoral alliance with a local party ahead of the Sabah state election, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).
The Perikatan Nasional chairman stopped short of revealing the party’s name, but said it has experience in the Sabah government administration.
“Sabah is key. It is a window for a national election that is forthcoming in perhaps one or two years’ time. So we will participate. We need to work with somebody whom we believe has the clout and a track record of having formed the state government.
“I would not want to reveal who, but we are working on it at this moment. If we form an electoral pact – a kind of loose coalition – it will give both sides an added advantage.
“We are working on it, and I think we are preparing well for that (cooperation),” he told The Star at the Karangkraf building here yesterday.
Asked to elaborate, Muhyiddin confirmed the potential ally will be a local party, but ruled out both Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan.
“It will be a local Sabah party, but we have minus or discounted (Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) Hajiji’s party (GRS) for being a traitor.
“We have discounted Pakatan because we can’t work with Pakatan for obvious reasons – not in our policy here. So whatever option is still available ... we welcome them,” he added.
Muhyiddin also said Perikatan has identified seats and potential candidates, including young leaders, adding that the pact will focus on “winnable” seats rather than contesting all constituencies.
On this weekend’s Bersatu annual general assembly, Muhyiddin said delegates are expected to focus on the economy, particularly the rising cost of living.
“First and foremost is the economic matter, which is something that has been recognised as the biggest problem the country is facing,” he said.
“Many surveys that we get, at the top of the list are cost of living, rising cost of food, rising cost of services, the effects of subsidy rationalisation, the issue of SST 2.0 plus other things as well. The burden is very, very heavy.”
The Bersatu president said that governance and unmet reform promises would also feature heavily in discussions.
He said his keynote message during the AGM would centre on party unity and inclusivity.
“We are in government in four northern states, we are part of the opposition in Parliament. We should not be complacent,” said Muhyiddin.
He insisted that unity in his party remains intact despite occasional differences.
“There are issues, but we have a system set within the party that we should be able to deal with those matters ... as long as you don’t deviate from your set objectives and targets – which is for the well-being of the party and the overall well-being of the people that support the party,” he added.
When asked about his health, Muhyiddin said that he is keeping a healthy and active lifestyle.
