Bersatu-PAS tensions simmer as Muhyiddin eyes Melaka clean sweep

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and a former prime minister, acknowledged recent tensions with the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. These issues led Bersatu to contest the Melaka state election under its own logo, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.

Muhyiddin explained that the unresolved disputes with PAS prompted the decision, which now sees seven Bersatu candidates competing for seven seats. The Melaka election, set for November 14, involves 79 candidates vying for 28 assembly seats. Bersatu will field seven candidates, while PN is contesting five seats, including two for PAS.

Some voters remain confused about the difference between Bersatu and PN, prompting Muhyiddin to instruct party leaders to clarify Bersatu's stance during the campaign. Despite the tensions, Muhyiddin expressed confidence in Bersatu's chances, noting a stronger response to the party's logo in Melaka compared to its previous use in Negeri Sembilan.

He hopes this positive reception will translate into victories in all seven contested constituencies. In the 2021 state election, Barisan Nasional (BN) won 21 seats, while Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured five and PN took two.