Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has claimed that his party is now the only genuine opposition force in the country, while arguing that Perikatan Nasional (PN) has indirectly become a supporter of the government following its political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN).
He made the statement after PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said PN would assist BN throughout the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign, while BN would reciprocate during the two-week campaign period.
Muhyiddin said Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN are part of the Federal Government and several state administrations, adding that PN could no longer claim to be fully independent after forming a cooperation arrangement with BN.
“Why do I say Bersatu is the only opposition? This is because PH is the government at the Federal level and in several states.
“BN is also part of the government at the Federal level and in several states. Therefore, when PN establishes political cooperation with BN, it indirectly becomes a party supporting the government,” he said in a Facebook post.
He said the current political situation had created a major gap in the country’s political landscape as there was no longer a party capable of effectively serving as a check and balance against government policies.
Muhyiddin said Bersatu was established as an opposition party with a mission to fight against kleptocracy linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
He added that the party would remain committed to its original principles despite returning to the opposition bloc, saying the challenges faced today were greater than before.
Muhyiddin also criticised PH and BN over several policies which he claimed had placed pressure on the people, including increases in diesel and petrol prices, the rising cost of living and delays in implementing institutional reforms.
He said BN could not avoid responsibility for issues affecting the country despite criticising PH, while accusing both parties of sharing responsibility for current challenges.
Muhyiddin further alleged that UMNO and BN were attempting to shift blame over ongoing issues despite being part of the government, while using Malay and Islamic unity sentiments to gain support.
He described such moves as political tactics aimed at influencing voters.
The Bersatu president maintained that his party was not involved in such political manoeuvres and would continue focusing on defending the interests of the people and developing the country despite facing various challenges.
