Bersatu co-founder Redzuan Yusof has suggested that the loose Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance could be transformed into a new Perikatan Nasional (PN) following the coalition’s deregistration by the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
Redzuan said PN remained a strong brand and did not rule out Bersatu taking the initiative to revive it with a different vision and direction, Utusan Malaysia reported.
‘When Umno was deregistered in 1988, Umno Baru came into being. I cannot rule out efforts to create a new PN,’ he was quoted as saying.
Redzuan said the direction of any new coalition would depend on discussions between Bersatu’s political bureau and other parties.
‘Whatever it may be, it is up to Bersatu’s leadership and other parties to manage it accordingly,’ he said.
IPR’s future remains uncertain
Launched in October last year, IPR brought together leaders from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, Muda, MAP, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party and Urimai.
However, the absence of PAS representatives from recent IPR meetings has raised questions about the party’s continued participation in the alliance.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin had previously suggested that IPR be incorporated into PN or that the two entities form an electoral pact for the next general election.
PN to challenge deregistration
The RoS deregistered PN on Tuesday after finding that the coalition’s explanation had failed to rebut the grounds stated in an earlier notice.
The registrar acted on a complaint by Bersatu, which alleged that it had been denied the right to attend, speak and vote at a PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16.
PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan was reported as saying that the coalition would challenge the deregistration and seek a stay of its implementation.
