KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu remains a principled, consistent and loyal partner in Perikatan Nasional, says party secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
He said this cooperation will be maintained for the stability and strength of the coalition.
He said the Bersatu supreme council meeting on Monday (Jan 12) night supported and welcomed party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's advice to remain faithful, disciplined and mutually respectful.
"The meeting was led by him (Muhyiddin) and also discussed political developments, including strengthening Perikatan," Azmin said in a statement issued after the meeting.
"It highlighted working on resolving differences in... a mature manner, in the interests of the party.
"The meeting also heard Muhyiddin's reasons for announcing his resignation as Perikatan chairman.
"The party's supreme council respects his decision and will defend it (as it was) made based on principle and responsibility."
Azmin said Bersatu also strongly denies involvement in the recent leadership crisis in Perlis.
He said the supreme council was irked that some parties said the party had betrayed the understanding within Perikatan.
"Bersatu has heard the explanation from Perlis Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah regarding the political crisis in Perlis, which has been going on for some time. It is satisfied with his explanation.
"The council advised him and the state leadership to maintain unity, harmony and cooperation within Perikatan in Perlis," he added.
Azmin said Bersatu would continue to follow the advice of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, to develop the state for the sake of the people and country.
Last month, Muhyiddin announced that he was resigning as Perikatan chairman with effect from Jan 1.
On Dec 25, Mohd Shukri Ramli of PAS stepped down as Perlis mentri besar, citing health reasons.
Before that, eight of the state's 15 assemblymen – five from Bersatu and three from PAS – reportedly signed statutory declarations (SDs) stating that they were withdrawing their support for his leadership.
PAS subsequently sacked its three assemblymen who signed the SDs.
On Dec 28, Bersatu's Abu Bakar took his oath of office as the new Mentri Besar.
Last week, four Bersatu representatives were sworn in as state executive councillors.
PAS has stated that it will not be part of the state government.
