KOTA BHARU: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is technically no longer a member of Perikatan Nasional, despite remaining a legal member of the coalition, says Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday night (Aug 22) following a political talk at Jalan Seri Cemerlang, Takiyuddin explained that the distinction stems from Bersatu’s decision to abandon the coalition’s logo in favour of running under its own emblem in upcoming elections, reported Sinar Harian.
"Legally, they are still a member, but technically, they are not. I say 'technically' because they no longer want to use the Perikatan logo and prefer their own," Takiyuddin said.
While Perikatan has not formally taken action against Bersatu, Takiyuddin emphasised that leadership is evaluating the most effective steps forward. He noted that the coalition’s constitution includes provisions to suspend, dismiss, or remove member parties for disciplinary infractions.
"In a coalition, disciplinary action is taken against member parties, just as individual parties like Umno or PAS take action against individual members," he explained.
Takiyuddin added that Bersatu's actions threaten to complicate coalition operations and signal an intent to break away. Referring to comments by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, he noted that opting for an independent logo is politically tantamount to leaving the coalition.
He highlighted that Perikatan had previously allowed Bersatu to contest under the coalition’s banner—such as during the Johor State Election where Bersatu contested 16 seats—even after political cooperation between the entities had fractured.
