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Bersatu grassroots want party to join new coalition
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Elections & Politics

Bersatu grassroots want party to join new coalition

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Grassroots members of Malaysia's Bersatu party want it to join a new political coalition.
  • They believe the party performed poorly in the Negeri Sembilan state election when using its own logo.
  • Bersatu's position within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition remains unchanged, despite recent statements from Pas president.

Grassroots members of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) are urging the party leadership to seek a new political alignment, believing it is crucial for the party's resurgence.

According to Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak, the Secretary of Bersatu's Arau division, the party struggled to perform effectively when operating independently or using its own symbol, citing the recent Negeri Sembilan state election as evidence. In that election, Bersatu used its own logo for the first time, and many voters were unfamiliar with the party, with recognition largely limited to its president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Bersatu may need a new political alignment, one that does not cause harm or is better than before," Wan Zikri stated. "The grassroots hope this political alignment will be better and capable of strengthening the party again." Alternatively, he suggested that if a new coalition isn't formed, Bersatu should consider rejoining its previous alliances.

Bersatu may need a new political alignment, one that does not cause harm or is better than before. The grassroots hope this political alignment will be better and capable of strengthening the party again.

โ€” Wan Zikri Afthar IshakExpressing the desire of Bersatu's grassroots members for a new political coalition.

This sentiment comes amidst statements from Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, who indicated that Bersatu's membership in Perikatan Nasional (PN) would automatically cease following Muhyiddin's announcement of intentions to form a new political coalition. However, Bersatu has maintained that its position within PN remains unchanged, as the party has not made any decisions to join other political coalitions, including Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR).

Bersatu faced significant setbacks in the 16th Negeri Sembilan state election, with 23 out of 24 candidates losing their election deposits after failing to secure at least one-eighth of the total votes cast. Wan Zikri, who also serves as a state executive councilor, emphasized that the ultimate decisions rest with Bersatu's leadership, who are best positioned to determine the party's future course. He acknowledged that Bersatu's performance in Negeri Sembilan and Johor has been disappointing and requires serious attention before facing the more challenging 16th General Election (GE16). "Bersatu can rebuild its strength, and it needs to be done quickly," he urged.

Bersatu can rebuild its strength, and it needs to be done quickly.

โ€” Wan Zikri Afthar IshakHighlighting the urgency for Bersatu to regain its political standing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.