Pejuang has dismissed rumours that it has joined Perikatan Nasional, with claims circulating that Mahathir Mohamad would take over as the coalition’s chairman. The party clarified that the statement was false and had no basis.
Clarification from Pejuang
Information chief Rafique Rashid said the false press release emerged after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin announced his resignation as PN chairman earlier today. He stressed that Pejuang would not make unilateral or hasty decisions that disregard its strategic partners.
Rafique added that Mahathir was neither consulted nor informed, and he did not consent to any appointment within a political coalition. He emphasised that political division would only fuel unrest, undermine the economy and erode public trust in democracy.
Muhyiddin is set to step down as PN chairman on January 1, following a political crisis in Perlis. The crisis saw Bersatu assume the menteri besar’s post from PAS, sparking tensions between the two parties.
Rift Between PAS and Bersatu
The dispute deepened when PAS criticised Bersatu for failing to act against five Perlis assemblymen who withdrew support for former menteri besar Shukri Ramli of PAS. The fallout has strained relations between the coalition partners.
Muhyiddin and Mahathir remain at odds, with Mahathir accusing his former colleague of misusing party funds and seeking the prime minister’s post to avoid imprisonment. Their rivalry has further complicated the political landscape.
Mahathir, who founded Pejuang, left the party in December 2022 after its poor performance in the general election. His departure marked a turning point for the party, which has since sought to redefine its role in Malaysian politics
