Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin today expressed regret over PAS’s decision to end political cooperation with his party, describing the development as disappointing.
In a statement, Muhyiddin said Bersatu was disappointed that its relationship with PAS, which had been built on mutual understanding and trust, had come to an end.
“The decision to end political cooperation and sever ties with Bersatu is PAS’s own decision,” he said.
Bersatu reaffirms commitment to PN
Muhyiddin stressed that Bersatu would continue to stand by Perikatan Nasional (PN) despite the latest development.
“As a founding member of Perikatan Nasional, Bersatu will remain committed to the coalition and its core struggle,” he said.
He also called on Bersatu members and supporters to remain focused on strengthening PN moving forward.
PAS announces split from Bersatu
PAS announced last night that it was ending its political cooperation with Bersatu following internal discussions on the future direction of relations between the two parties.
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party would establish a new political pact ahead of the upcoming state elections and the next general election with the aim of “uniting the ummah”.
The announcement came nearly three weeks after Hadi revealed that PAS was reassessing its relationship with Bersatu and could contest the 16th General Election without Muhyiddin’s party.
Long-standing disagreements cited
At a press conference on May 22, Hadi said several issues had strained ties between PAS and Bersatu.
Among the matters raised were efforts to remove the Perlis menteri besar, alleged interference in appointments involving Kedah and Kelantan, and Bersatu’s opposition to admitting new Malay-Muslim parties into PN.
Muhyiddin subsequently sent a letter to PAS leaders rejecting Hadi’s allegations and defending Bersatu’s position on the issues raised.
PN, which was jointly formed by Bersatu and PAS in 2020, also includes Gerakan and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
