SEREMBAN: PAS has never been a toxic influence within Perikatan Nasional, says Parti Wawasan Negara president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
Responding to Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's claims that PAS had poisoned the coalition, Hamzah said Muhyiddin should recall how he initially secured the prime ministership.
"When Tun Dr Mahathir resigned as prime minister, we agreed that Muhyiddin should take over the post.
"We need to remember history. One needs to recall how other parties had helped him become PM. Without PAS and Umno, he (Muhyiddin) would have never become PM," he said when met after introducing the party's candidates for the Aug 1 state polls here.
When announcing Bersatu's candidates for the state polls on July 17, Muhyiddin claimed that Perikatan had become "toxic" and had lost the appeal it once enjoyed under his leadership.
He further claimed that PAS leaders within Perikatan did not demonstrate an ability to lead, and governance issues were not given attention.
PAS, Muhyiddin added, was also undemocratic and recent statements made by their leaders confused the people, leading to the loss the party suffered in the recent Johor polls.
Muhyiddin then said Bersatu would explore forming a new political coalition with several parties after the state election, arguing the existing partnership was no longer functioning as intended.
Meanwhile, in response to another question, Hamzah said Perikatan was prepared to continue working together with Barisan if it does well in the state polls.
"I have been reading media reports suggesting that such a political understanding is good.
"If this is successful, God willing, we will take it further until we are able to capture the federal government," he added.
