PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan today blamed the media for taking his remarks out of context by reporting that Perikatan Nasional (PN) was ready to work with Barisan Nasional (BN) to form the federal government after the general election.

Hours after being rebuked by PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, who insisted that PN wants to win the polls on its own to form the government, Takiyuddin said he was confident of PN being able to do just that.

“Referring to media reports on this matter, I would like to stress that my remarks were taken out of context and the headlines were confusing the voters,” he said in a statement.

“I want to affirm that I am confident in PN forming the federal government on its own and that the prime minister will be from PN.

“With this clarification, I hope there are no more statements pertaining to PN working with BN. We at PN are confident of forming our own government after GE15.”

Last night, after finishing a ceramah in Ketereh, Kelantan, Takiyuddin said he was confident that PN can form a government on its own or with other parties such as BN.

“What is certain is that we will never work with Pakatan Harapan (PH), even if we need allies to form a federal government,” he told reporters.

He said he was certain BN is agreeable to working with PN.

“We have not held any talks with them yet, but I am confident BN will agree,” he said.

However, earlier today, Muhyiddin said the coalition was not keen to form any partnership with BN or any other political entity to form a federal government after the general election.

He said the pact wanted to form a government on its own, scuppering remarks by Takiyuddin that PN was ready to work with BN if neither party wins a majority.

“PN’s purpose is to form a government without the need to form a pact with BN or PH,” he said in a statement.

“I did not give any mandate to Takiyuddin to hold discussions with BN to form a joint government after the election.

“God willing and with the people’s support, PN can win enough seats to form the federal government, as well as forming state governments in the three states we are contesting.” 

PN is made up of PAS, Bersatu, STAR, SAPP and Gerakan. The coalition entered into a power-sharing agreement with BN following the fall of the PH government in February 2020.

The relationship between PAS and Umno then became strained when PAS opted to ally with Bersatu.

In the run-up to GE15, PAS leaders were divided on the possibility of working with Umno but finally agreed to remain with PN and Bersatu. – November 15, 2022.