Muhyiddin: Pribumi inclusion in Pakatan important for next GE

(The Star) – The inclusion of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in the Pakatan Harapan coalition will make seat negotiations for GE14 easier, says its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).

Muhyiddin told a press conference on Tuesday that becoming a full member of the coalition would allow a “more frank and open discussion”.

He was responding to questions on infighting within the Opposition when it came to seat allocations and the prime ministerial candidate for GE14.

“We understand that it is natural to have disagreements and I think leaders in Pakatan Harapan understand the need for us to be cohesive,” said the former deputy prime minister, adding that he believed the internal conflict would be resolved soon.

Muhyiddin then reiterated that the major factor when allocating seats would be the party’s ability to win.

“It’s about which party can draw the support and win that seat.

“As far as Pribumi is concerned, we have already identified which seats we want to contest,” he said, but refused to divulge any details.

Asked if there were seats that overlapped with other parties in the coalition, he said “yes, there are”.

“But that is why we will negotiate and we will find a solution,” he said.

On negotiations with PAS, Muhyiddin said the party would wait until PAS had held its muktamar (party conference) in April.

On Monday, Pakatan Harapan announced that it would register as an official coalition with the Registrar of Societies and added that Pribumi would be included as a full member.

Previously Muhyiddin had claimed a Malay-led party would lead the coalition.

DAP’s Anthony Loke, however, said there was no such thing and that all parties were equals in the coalition.