PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today said that the next general election would be held as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic ends.

Speaking at Bersatu’s annual general assembly today, he said the pandemic was the only hindrance for the polls to be held now.

“We all know the problem is Covid-19. God willing, when the Covid-19 pandemic ends, we will hold a general election.

“We return the mandate to the people, and let the people… choose the government they want,” the Bersatu president said.

He also said that Bersatu will contest under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) logo in the next general election.

Speaking at the third Bersatu general assembly which was held online, Muhyiddin said the PN logo was widely accepted as proven in the recently concluded Sabah state elections.

This, he said, proved the current administration to be a “functioning government”.

“I believe, in the next general election, PN will be well received by Malaysians. Studies conducted showed that the acceptance of Malaysians towards PN is high.

“Therefore, Bersatu has decided to use the PN logo in the 15th general election,” Muhyiddin said in his speech.

The Pagoh MP also invited other parties to join the PN coalition, and stressed that Bersatu cannot be alone ahead of the next elections as they would not be able to form a government.

“The basics are simple. We cannot be alone. We need friends from other political parties to face elections and form a government. Bersatu if contesting alone, may win seats, but does not have enough seats to form a government,” Muhyiddin said.

Tensions in the past few months between Umno and PN have increased with Umno leaders claiming the party has been side-lined in the government.

Umno refused Muhyiddin’s offer to join the PN coalition and instead asked Bersatu to join Muafakat Nasional (MN). The MN charter is made up of Umno and PAS and is seeking to be registered as an official entity.

Umno also has claimed the original coalition Barisan Nasioanal was very much alive despite there being only four parties from the initial 13. – November 28, 2020.