MUAR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled Bersatu’s intention to contest a significant number of seats in the Johor election, while warning that the party would seek a new political alliance if it is pushed out of Perikatan Nasional.
The Bersatu president said the party needed to contest enough seats to have a realistic chance of forming the next state government.
“Ten seats are not enough to form a government. We need 28 plus one seats before we can form the government,” he said when launching the party’s election machinery.
Muhyiddin said Bersatu had many potential candidates to field and would seek to contest a substantial number of seats in the state election.
He, however said that Bersatu has no intention of leaving Perikatan, a coalition it helped establish together with PAS, but stressed that the party would continue to move forward regardless of its future within the pact.
Bersatu and Perikatan, he pointed out, were established to champion the people’s interests and address issues affecting ordinary Malaysians, including the rising cost of living and economic pressures.
“If we are forced to leave Perikatan, we will look for a new coalition because Bersatu will not die. As a political party, we will endure and become even bigger.”
Muhyiddin also questioned calls for Bersatu to leave Perikatan, arguing that the party had played a key role in the coalition’s formation and development.
He said any decision to remove a component party could not be made unilaterally as the coalition comprised Bersatu, PAS, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP) and Gerakan, with major decisions requiring consensus.
“If there is an issue, bring it to the Presidential Council. If anyone wants to remove a component party, it cannot be done without the agreement of all parties.”
Muhyiddin also expressed frustration over what he described as attempts to sideline Bersatu despite the party’s contribution to building Perikatan.
Referring to a recent Perikatan decision involving Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, he said Bersatu members should not be treated dismissively.
He maintained that Bersatu would continue defending its position and interests, saying the party possessed the strength and spirit to remain a major political force.
He also reiterated that Bersatu would contest the upcoming Johor and Negri Sembilan elections, adding that the party was prepared to use the Perikatan logo if permitted, or its own logo should circumstances require it.
Muhyiddin also urged party members to remain united and focus on the struggle to defend the people’s welfare, saying political parties should prioritise issues affecting the rakyat rather than internal disputes.
