PAGOH, June 27 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) founding president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he respected PAS’ decision not to assist the party’s campaign in the 16th Johor state election, stressing that Bersatu would press ahead on the strength of its own machinery.

He said he believed the decision would not affect Bersatu’s campaign, which remained focused on the party’s policies and track record in winning public support.

“It’s alright. I didn’t ask either. Whoever wants to help can help, even though, in principle, as members of Perikatan Nasional (PN), we should support one another.

“But if our partners choose not to help, we accept that. We will continue working hard based on our own strengths, policies and record. I am confident voters know how to make their decision,” he told reporters after the nomination process for the Bukit Kepong state seat at the Pagoh Sports Complex today.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu would nevertheless remain open to assisting its coalition partners if its support was needed during the Johor election campaign.

“If they need our support, we will help. That has always been our approach. We are open,” he said.

Responding to claims that PN lacked the ambition to form the Johor state government because it was contesting only 33 of the 56 state seats, Muhyiddin said the coalition was contesting more than the minimum number required to form a government.

He added that there was still room for cooperation with other parties after the election.

Earlier, Muhyiddin, together with more than 300 supporters, accompanied PN candidate for the Bukit Kepong state seat, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, who is also the Johor Bersatu chairman and Johor PN chairman, for the nomination process.

Sahruddin, the former 17th Johor Menteri Besar, is defending the Bukit Kepong seat, which he has held for two terms since 2018. He is in a three-cornered fight against Ahmad Syarie Yusoh of Barisan Nasional and C. Subramani of Pakatan Harapan.

For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/ — Bernama