KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has denied allegations that his coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) is plotting to topple the government.
He told Malaysiakini that PN’s focus was on the upcoming state elections in six states, particularly those held by Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“Honestly, I did not hear of such plans. (The allegation) is baseless,” he was quoted as saying.
He was in daily communication with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who never broached the issue in their discussions, he added.
Instead, Muhyiddin had instructed the party to work on the ground and to ready its political machinery ahead of the state elections, Ahmad Faizal said.
“I didn’t hear of any negotiations (on the claims) and there are no talks with any MPs from the government bloc, no talks with Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs as well,” he was quoted as saying.
When asked to comment on claims that those involved with the plot looked to former two-time prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin to fund and mastermind it, Ahmad Faizal reportedly laughed.
“I had the opportunity to break fast with our dear father Dr Mahathir recently. We didn’t talk politics. We only spoke about the ‘Malay proclamation’ rally.
“He’s fine, but showing signs of age. We pray for his good health. As far as I know, Daim is not doing so well. He’s been keeping to himself and not accepting any visitors,” he was quoted as saying.
Earlier today, online news portal The Vibes claimed that BN MPs were being persuaded by certain people to quit their party and lose their Dewan Rakyat seats under the new anti-party hopping law, forcing a by-election.
They would then contend under the PN banner, the report said, citing an unnamed source.
Last month, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang asserted that the Opposition bloc has a “right” to make plans that can topple the government of the day.
The Marang MP added that no one can stop them from doing so.
Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan, which are controlled by PH, and Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, governed by PAS, are due to hold state elections this year, which marks the five-year expiry of their mandates.
