Mahfuz: PAS reduced to 'token partner' after Bersatu names PM candidate

Amanah has hit out at PAS, claiming that the Perikatan Nasional component party has been relegated to merely fulfilling the numbers for Bersatu after the latter unilaterally named its president Muhyiddin Yassin as the coalition’s 11th prime minister candidate.

Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar said the move - made without consultation or agreement from other coalition partners, particularly PAS - was a clear sign that Bersatu was not only arrogant but also driven solely by its own political interests.

“This motion exposes the true nature of Bersatu as a party that does not respect the spirit of cooperation, does not believe in consensus, and prioritises the interests of one individual above the interests of the people or the nation’s stability.

“PAS, which has long boasted about being the kingmaker in Malaysian politics, has been reduced to nothing more than a token partner by Bersatu. Their voice was ignored, their stance dismissed, and their dignity trampled like a rag,” he said in a statement today.

Mahfuz (above) added that if this was the treatment accorded to PAS - its most loyal ally - it was clear the Islamist party was nothing more than a “prop for Bersatu’s political manoeuvring”.

He was commenting on Bersatu’s unanimous decision at its annual general assembly last weekend to endorse Muhyiddin as PN’s prime ministerial candidate.

READ MORE: Chronology of push to oust Muhyiddin

Several PAS leaders have since voiced unease, including PAS central committee member Annuar Musa, who said naming a candidate was not a priority. Instead, he stressed the need to focus on strengthening their respective parties and building a credible consensus.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man similarly said his party had no need to follow Bersatu’s move in naming a prime ministerial candidate.

Fragile coalition

Mahfuz further said that Bersatu’s hasty decision further proved that the coalition it was trying to promote as an alternative government was, in fact, fragile, riddled with power struggles and dishonesty.

“Even before returning to power, they are already in turmoil over who should be prime minister.

“The basic question is, how can the people trust a political bloc that fails to respect even its own partners? If component parties are treated like playthings, what more ordinary citizens who have no voice at the negotiation table,” he said.

“The people must open their eyes. This is not just about who becomes prime minister, but whether the country should remain shackled to a coalition fractured from within, dominated by power struggles, and driven by personal agendas.

“Bersatu has proven that it is not a champion of stability, let alone a defender of the people. On the contrary, it is the source of division.

“PAS, meanwhile, despite trying to portray itself as an influential party, has clearly allowed itself to be sidelined for the sake of scraps of power,” added the former Pokok Sena MP.

COMMENT | Weapon to weakness: SDs boomerang on Muhyiddin

Bersatu AGM secures Muhyiddin but 'SD plot' lingers

No need for PM candidate motion in PAS muktamar, says Tuan Ibrahim

Bersatu leader defends Muhyiddin nomination, says it's within party's rights

'Muhyiddin for PM': Hold your horses, PAS leaders tell Bersatu

As Bersatu simmers, DAP MP curious about 'Sheraton Move' Azmin's plan