Do not underestimate BN, Muhyiddin warns Pakatan

Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin scoffed at the Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) stated aim of forming the next Federal government and warned them not to underestimate the support that Barisan Nasional (BN) enjoys.

“We know our position, we know our strength and, of course, we know our weaknesses. We are still the majority government so they might have their own ideas but it is okay,” he said.

Muhyiddin explained that Umno has taken the necessary initiatives to strengthen the party and stressed that the present government is the people's government.

“With the new prime minister …  1 Malaysia, people first, performance now … all the various things that we have rolled out for purposes of economic recovery and social justice, I think people will see that we are a serious government,” he added.

Muhyiddin also believes that the party will be able to gain lost ground in the next general election.

The deputy prime minister also mocked PAS for rejecting their own proposal for a unity government.

“We have stated our intentions but if they are not interested, it is their choice. We are sincere, we never say one thing and do another. We were looking in terms of unity of the people and not just the Malay community. The proposal did not come from us so don’t twist facts and get angry with us, accusing us. That is not right,” he said.

The unity talks between PAS and Umno was proposed by PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and his deputy Nasharuddin Mat Isa. However, this was rejected by PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat and drew heavy criticism from other leaders of the opposition coalition.