Prime Minister Najib Razak took the opposition parties to task for blaming Umno and the BN whenever they were saddled with internal problems.

"The question is why Umno becomes a punching bag. The reason is because PAS is besieged with internal strife.

"The cracks that are appearing is a PAS internal matter that would lead to rivalry and changes in its slogan and direction. This a PAS affair and it has got nothing to do with Umno," he told reporters after launching the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day in Parit Buntar, Perak, today.

He was commenting on an allegation by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu that Umno members were collaborating with the opposition to topple the BN.

"He had dared to say that he was knocked down by the police when he was not," said Najib.

Opposition roadshow

On Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's plan to hold a roadshow to celebrate his triumph over the verdict of his sodomy trial, Najib said:

"It is normal. What else can the opposition do? If they have no roadshow, they will hold a ceramah and a gathering as we are a democratic country. We all have our own ways and means to gain the support of the people," he said.

Asked whether the roadshow would affect the BN, Najib said, "I do not think it is strange or unusual. But he likes to create a bit of uproar but that is normal," he said.

On a suggestion made by Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai that candidates for the coming general election should undergo a medical check-up, Najib said if one knew well in advance that he would be fielded, it could be done, otherwise it would be difficult.

Najib said the BN would focus its foray on all states in the next election and not on specific ones.

- Bernama