MUHYIDDIN Yassin’s recent proposal to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming election was merely to avoid splitting votes.

The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman said he realised PAS’ objection to the idea, and said the coalition is ready for multi-cornered fights.

“Even the PN Youth chief, who is also PAS Youth chief, had raised the issue at the recent PN convention.

“So my response was that we should do it, if possible. However, regardless of whether there are three-cornered, four-cornered or 10-cornered fights, we are ready,” he told reporters at the PAS annual general assembly in Alor Setar today. 

The former prime minister added that he accepts PAS’ refusal to work with PH, stating that differences of opinion are welcome in the spirit of openness.

Prior to his statement, Muhyiddin was reported to have said that the PN’s call for the opposition to consider renegotiating political cooperation was made in the interests of Malaysia’s future and its people. 

He said it was to save the country from falling further into kleptocracy, corruption and abuse of power. 

Recently, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS has decided not to work with PH or any of its component parties in the upcoming general election. 

Takiyuddin added the party has also rejected the “big tent” approach – a decision that was made at a daily committee meeting. – September 3, 2022.