PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied claims that Bersatu has held discussions with Umno and PAS on forming a new “grand collaboration” to unite the Malays.
However, the party president said Bersatu remained open to hearing Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s proposal through proper party channels.
Muhyiddin said Bersatu had never given an official mandate to any of its leaders to negotiate with Umno, nor had the matter been discussed at the party’s supreme leadership council meetings.
“Bersatu has never formally authorised any party leader to hold negotiations with Umno.
“This matter was also never discussed in any meeting of the Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council,” Muhyiddin said in a statement posted on his Facebook on Sunday (Jan 18).
He stressed that any cross-party talks involving cooperation between Bersatu and Umno must be conducted via official party channels and attended by the top leadership of both parties.
“Such discussions must be held transparently and take into account all relevant factors, including the views of our Perikatan Nasional component parties and Umno’s position within the unity government,” he added.
Nevertheless, Muhyiddin said Bersatu would adopt an open stance and consider any proposal put forward by Zahid once clearer details are provided.
“Bersatu will consider the proposal submitted by the Umno president after receiving more comprehensive input and clarification,” he said.
Muhyiddin’s remarks came after Ahmad Zahid confirmed that he had met several leaders from PAS and Bersatu to discuss uniting the Malays through a “grand collaboration”.
Ahmad Zahid said the informal meeting also involved several other Malay-based parties.
Speaking after Umno’s general assembly, Ahmad Zahid said as the largest Malay-Muslim party, Umno was inviting other parties to proactively and strategically pool resources for discussions on a broader alliance.
In his winding-up speech, Zahid said the proposed grand collaboration would not threaten the unity government and assured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that there was no intention to form a backdoor government.
He added that the collaboration would aim to unite Malay-Muslim parties “under one roof” as informal allies, provided members agreed not to disrupt the unity government.
The deputy prime minister also ruled out a revival of Muafakat Nasional, which he said has already been registered as a non-governmental organisation.
