Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin believes the party is now better positioned to attract non-Malay voters after ending its cooperation with PAS.
Speaking after unveiling Bersatu’s candidates for the Aug 1 Negeri Sembilan state election, Muhyiddin said PAS had previously made it more difficult for Bersatu to gain support from non-Malay communities because many were uncomfortable with the party’s political approach.
He said Bersatu’s line-up of non-Malay candidates for the state election demonstrated the party’s independence from PAS.
“I hope we can attract more non-Malay support. Previously, there was a problem because many non-Malays were afraid of PAS’s political approach. But now, we are no longer with PAS,” he said.
Bersatu highlights multiracial representation
Muhyiddin also called on Malays who were not comfortable with PAS’s style of politics to support Bersatu.
He said non-Muslims should not be concerned, stressing that Bersatu no longer had any PAS influence within the party.
According to Muhyiddin, Bersatu’s non-Malay candidates are drawn from the party’s associate wing and represent all races.
Party remains in PN while exploring new alliance
Asked whether Bersatu would leave Perikatan Nasional (PN) following plans to establish a new political coalition after the Negeri Sembilan election, Muhyiddin said Bersatu remained a member of the opposition alliance led by PAS.
However, he confirmed that discussions were ongoing with leaders of parties in Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) on forming a new political pact.
He said Bersatu would continue to pursue its own political strategy, particularly in preparation for the 16th general election.
PAS ended its cooperation with Bersatu last month, although both parties remain members of PN. The Islamic party also did not campaign for Bersatu during the Johor state election.
For the Negeri Sembilan election, PAS reached an electoral arrangement with Barisan Nasional, under which BN is contesting 25 seats while PN is contesting 11.
Meanwhile, Bersatu is fielding 24 candidates under its own logo.
