Bersatu tells Perikatan to stop ‘playing victim’ as coalition feud deepens

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has criticized Perikatan Nasional (PN) for allegedly attempting to "play the victim" in the intensifying rift within the coalition. Bersatu's information chief, Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, urged PN's leadership to address complaints against them with factual evidence and documents, rather than attempting to portray themselves as the aggrieved party.

He questioned Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan's ability to respond to allegations, asserting that the onus should be on PAS to provide supporting documentation if they claim no constitutional violations within PN. Tun Faisal accused PN of spreading unsubstantiated narratives and suggested that the party's leaders should produce relevant meeting minutes and other evidence to counter Bersatu's claims.

The tension stems from Bersatu's complaints about PN's management and alleged breaches of the coalition's constitution, with PAS as PN's administrator facing scrutiny over alleged infractions. Takiyuddin, also PAS secretary-general, described Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as cowardly for not formally addressing issues with the coalition.

However, Tun Faisal countered that true cowardice lies in leaders' unwillingness to confront disputes openly, particularly the failure of PN administrators Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and others to address component party disagreements. The dispute involves allegations that PAS has repeatedly violated PN's constitution and denied Bersatu its rights as a coalition member.

The conflict has led to the Registrar of Societies issuing a notice to PN, suspending its activities, and triggering a court challenge as PN seeks judicial review of the regulatory actions.