One is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s chairperson, the other is the party’s president, but both Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin Yassin do not seem to be seeing eye to eye when it comes to PAS.

At a programme organised by Bersatu in Sungai Buloh last night, it was evident how Muhyiddin had emphasised the need to have PAS on board together with Pakatan Harapan in facing BN at the polls, but the same cannot be said for Mahathir.

Muhyiddin in his speech expressed his belief that should Harapan, Bersatu as well as PAS leaders be able to set aside their differences and focus on the rakyat’s interests, they would be able to win in the next general election.

Bersatu, he said, have started negotiations with Harapan in relation to seat allocations.

“We have also negotiated with PAS to determine if all parties can set aside their differences to create a new form of cooperation, in which everything is agreed upon based on discussions and solidarity to prioritise the rakyat’s interests above all else.

“So, I believe no mountain is high enough as long as we are truly determined and committed,” he said.

Dr M sings unity

Mahathir, on the other hand, made no mention of PAS in his speech later at the same event.

Citing previous coalitions that had failed due to components only fighting for their respective parties, Mahathir said it was important for a coalition to be united to face BN.

“Even though we only have four parties, if we merge and focus on one aim, believe me, we can compete with BN."

Bersatu last December signed a cooperation and common framework agreement with Harapan, which comprises DAP, PKR and Parti Amanah Negara.

Meanwhile, addressing the 1,000-strong audience, Mahathir pointed out how the event was attended by top leaders from different parties.

Among those in attendance last night were PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, her deputy Azmin Ali and Amanah committee member Khalid Samad.

“Yes, a particular party’s fight is important, but to defeat (prime minister) Najib (Abdul Razak), we need to put aside out party struggles," Mahathir said.

He also reiterated his call for the opposition to utilise only one logo in the general election.

“Think about it, if we still use our own symbols, when voters go to vote and see various symbols, they would not know which one to vote for.

“When they don’t know, they will vote for the party they are used to – which is Najib’s party, the dacing (scale),” said Mahathir referring to BN’s logo.

It is apparent how Muhyiddin was definitely set on trying to get PAS on board in a coalition consisting of the Islamist party, Harapan parties and Bersatu.

This was evident in how Muhyiddin has made appearances at PAS' events and confirmed that he was part of the negotiations with PAS.

However, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang two weeks ago stressed his party will not work with Bersatu in the coming general election as long as the latter maintains ties with DAP and Amanah.