KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu is far from being “buried” despite the recent internal issues, says its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He dismissed reports, including on social media, suggesting the party had been “buried” amid its recent internal troubles.
"It is far from it. I read reports carried by some netizens who gave such views only because they heard about developments that have happened and are happening in my party, as well as the firm measures that we have taken to resolve the problems that occurred in Bersatu.
"And fortunately, with the actions that we have taken, not only those who committed political offences in the party have been brought before the Disciplinary Board but action have also been taken," he said in his speech during a breaking of fast event organised by Bersatu on Wednesday (March 11).
He also announced that Bersatu have completed all of the improvement measures within our Bersatu party.
"There are certain figures and Bersatu leaders who have made various announcements, including announcements declaring that their party division has been dissolved.
In Bersatu’s constitution, only the party's supreme leadership council has the authority to dissolve any division throughout the country.
"Therefore, all of the statements made by certain parties are inaccurate," said Muhyiddin, adding that the purpose was none other than to give the impression that Bersatu was facing problems.
He also provided assurance, especially with the leadership of Perikatan Nasional, that he was confident that Bersatu is capable of managing party matters and internal party affairs.
"Because we realise that Bersatu’s position within Perikatan is important.
And Perikatan itself is a coalition of political parties between PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan and MIPP which for us has a very bright future.
"Some even say that we are “government in waiting”, God-willing," he said.
On the issue of Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR), a loose coalition between some 14 parties, Muhyiddin said they have agreed to strengthen its position by establishing a joint secretariat, where the secretary-generals of the parties, can sit together to discuss and arrange programmes to strengthen IPR itself.
"We have discussed that there may be certain options we will decide. Perhaps in the near future.
As one of the deputy chairman of Perikatan, I will bring this matter to the highest leadership to consider what form of cooperation we should establish," he said.
"One of the considerations we may make is whether they can directly join Perikatan Nasional, which I understand some friends in IPR are interested in expressing their intention, or to establish what we call an electoral pact during elections," said Muhyiddin.
