THE government’s use of “dirty tricks” – including selective persecution of Bersatu leaders – will not affect Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) chances in the upcoming state polls, opposition coalition leaders said.

PN will continue to remind the people of the government’s wrongdoings, including the attempts to sully the coalition’s reputation, they said.

They accused Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) – the leading coalitions in the ruling pact – of working hard to discourage Malay voters from supporting PN in the state elections.

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said PH and BN have lost a large portion of the Malay vote since the last general election.

“To shore up support, PH and BN need to nullify PN. Hence all these accusations (corruption) in parliament, the media and other avenues.

“The only way for them to get support is to tarnish our image so that voters won’t think that we are clean and stable,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was charged with four counts of abuse of power at Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday, accused of taking RM232.5 million in gratification.

He also faces two additional charges of money laundering, of which he is alleged to have received RM195 million in proceeds from illegal activities.

Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty to the six charges.

Previously, two other Bersatu leaders had been similarly charged with corruption, with several more questioned by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“Since Anwar Ibrahim became the prime minister, he has cast a lot of aspersions against Bersatu and PN,” Wan Fayhsal said.

“All sorts of wild accusations were made towards Bersatu leaders, but none of them hold water.”

However, he admitted that the tactic may work in the state polls.

“Yet, as a political party we are nimble, and have our strategy and tactics for approaching the state elections.

“We will deploy certain strategies in some areas to nullify or neutralise sentiments that are not in our interests.”

He also said that part of their action plan was to remind voters of the large number of inconsistencies in the current government’s ability to deliver on its promises, especially its election manifesto.

“This includes the contradictions that it has made during their campaigns on institutional reforms, appointing those who have court cases pending, plus the separation of power between prime minister and finance minister.

“All these issues need to be reminded to the people, especially Selangor voters, of this hypocritical government.”

Wan Fayhsal also said Muhyiddin should be the government’s last target because going after anyone else in the opposition hierarchy might backfire on ruling parties during the state elections.

“Otherwise, voters might boycott or give their sympathy votes to us, so this situation will boost our chances to secure more seats in the polls.

“Of course, it will be a tough fight and not an easy passage, but on the west coast, it’s all about integrity and our campaigns.

“When we promise something it must be doable and not fairy tales. We don’t want to short-change our voters here.”

He hoped PN will gain traction in PH-held Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang through its manifesto and campaigns, especially drawing support from the fence sitters, while he was confident that PN will retain Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.

However, he admitted that Penang will be a tough state to win.

The six states are expected to hold their elections in June.

‘Dirty tricks’ will backfire

Gerakan president Dominic Lau said that charges brought against Bersatu leaders were “dirty tricks” carried out by the government to kill off PN.

“PH and BN are trying to spoil the image of PN. They think that by doing this, the people won’t support us, but the effect is the reverse.

“We will be getting more support from the people as these so-called dirty tricks won’t affect us, they will make us stronger.”

Lau said that the current situation has actually strengthened PN.

“Due to this PH attack, we have already started our campaigns for the state elections.”

He said the move on Muhyiddin was also a ploy to shift focus away from criticisms levelled against Anwar and his performance as prime minister.

“During Anwar’s 100 days in office, the government has failed to deliver on all its promises in its manifesto,” he said.

Going into the state polls, he said PN should not have any issues in retaining the three states it governs.

“We are focusing now on the PH-led states and trying to get the support of the people.

“The people all know that this is selective prosecution against certain political leaders. “They are aware and we will continue to work hard to explain to the voters what is happening.”

Selangor PAS chief Ahmad Yunus Hairi said PH and BN’s attacks on PN will encourage young people to support the opposition during the polls.

“The case against Muhyiddin will arouse the anger of supporters and voters because of the injustice.

“For us, God willing, it will not affect voters’ influence or support for us in the state polls.

“We also expect the support to increase in the six states going to the polls.” – March 11, 2023.