KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu today said it will remain in Perikatan Nasional (PN) despite PAS’ decision to end political cooperation between the two parties.
In a statement, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the party would continue strengthening the opposition coalition as one of its founding members.
“As a founding party of PN, Bersatu will remain in the PN and continue to strengthen its core struggle and principles.
“Bersatu will further advance the people-centred agenda championed by PN since its establishment, while supporting the aspirations of Malaysians who seek change and leadership that reflects the hopes and ambitions of all citizens,” he said.
Muhyiddin also expressed regret over PAS’ decision, saying the cooperation between the two parties had been built on a spirit of goodwill and mutual understanding.
He said the decision to end political cooperation and sever ties with Bersatu was made by PAS.
He also called on party members to remain focused on strengthening PN and to continue placing the interests of the people as their top priority.
“I am confident that the people who support the ideals of PN will remain steadfast alongside us,” he said.
Last night, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced that the Islamist party had decided to terminate its political cooperation with Bersatu following a special meeting of its Central Working Committee.
The move also endorsed an earlier decision by the party’s Syura Council, which had cited policy, legal and public-interest considerations linked to the principle of Muslim unity.
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari later said the decision was based on an assessment of whether the partnership could continue advancing the goals of ummah unity and political stability, adding that recent developments within Bersatu had undermined those objectives.
Bersatu’s stance during the Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting, which opposed the inclusion of parties such as Berjasa, Pejuang, Iman and Putra despite a prepared proposal, had undermined the unity agenda.
He also cited a series of developments involving Bersatu in Perlis and Negeri Sembilan, saying these had affected the morale of PAS machinery ahead of the next general election.
Fadhli said the relationship between PAS and Bersatu within Perikatan Nasional will now be managed according to constitutional provisions and proper channels following the decision.
