Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has once more rejected claims that his party fuelled the Perlis political crisis.
He stressed that neither he nor Bersatu sought to undermine PAS, their partner in Perikatan Nasional.
“We deny in the strongest terms that Bersatu was involved. Bersatu was never involved,” he told reporters after last night’s Supreme Council meeting.
Key Figures Present
Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah attended the meeting. He stepped in as Perlis menteri besar following PAS’s Shukri Ramli’s resignation over health issues.
The Perlis unrest last month erupted when eight Perikatan Nasional assemblymen withdrew support from Shukri. Three came from PAS.
PAS accused its allies of betrayal in response.
On December 27, Muhyiddin had already denied instructing Bersatu’s five Perlis assemblymen to pull support.
He noted the party only forwarded candidate names for menteri besar after a directive from the Perlis ruler’s office.
Rejecting Sabotage Claims
Last night, the former prime minister – who left his Perikatan Nasional chairman role effective January 1 – brushed off suggestions that Bersatu tried to sabotage PAS.
“We also deny accusations from others calling us traitors. I personally took no part in the entire episode,” he said.
Discussing Resignation
The Supreme Council also covered Muhyiddin’s exit as coalition chairman.
He detailed the reasons behind his choice to the members.
“Though views differed on my resignation, the council respected my decision,” he added.
Council Response
Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali said the council heard Abu Bakar’s account of the Perlis crisis and found it satisfactory.
“The council regrets accusations that the party betrayed Perikatan Nasional agreements,” Azmin stated. His remarks echoed the denial of any Bersatu role.
He added that the group reviewed Perikatan Nasional’s path toward the 16th general election.
“We note Bersatu’s commitment to stay a loyal ally in Perikatan Nasional,” he concluded.
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