Bersatu has criticised a group of its members in Muar after they publicly declared support for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Sri Medan seat in the Johor state election, describing the move as an act of sabotage.
Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said the party’s position remains aligned with Perikatan Nasional (PN), stressing that all members are expected to back candidates contesting under the coalition’s banner.
He said Bersatu does not support PH or Barisan Nasional (BN), in line with PN’s official stance, adding that the coalition’s Supreme Council has not issued any directive to support rival parties.
Tun Faisal warned that any action which could weaken PN candidates’ chances may be regarded as undermining the coalition’s collective efforts in the Johor election.
The statement came after a small group of Bersatu members from Bandar Sri Medan publicly expressed support for the PH candidate, citing reasons related to political stability under the unity government.
The group, however, maintained that they were not dissatisfied with PN and insisted they remain loyal Bersatu members despite their decision.
In the Sri Medan contest, incumbent BN candidate Zulkurnain Kamisan is seeking a fourth term, facing challengers from PH’s Hishamuddin Ishak and PN’s Rosdi Bahari of PAS.
While PAS and Bersatu ended formal cooperation recently, both remain components of PN, though coordination in the Johor election has been inconsistent.
PAS has instructed its supporters to back BN in seats not contested by PN, whereas Bersatu has left voting decisions largely to the discretion of its members.
