Bersatu sec‑gen Azmin Ali says party remains legitimate Perikatan component despite PAS claim

**Bersatu Sec-Gen Azmin Ali Defies PAS Claim, Maintains Party's Legitimacy in Perikatan Nasional**

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has fired back at PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's assertion that the party's membership in Perikatan Nasional (PN) had automatically lapsed. In a scathing statement, Azmin Ali dismissed the claim as unconstitutional and called out PAS for attempting to unilaterally decide Bersatu's status in the coalition.

Background & Context

Perikatan Nasional, a Malay-led coalition, was formed in 2020 following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government. The coalition comprises several parties, including Bersatu, PAS, and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan). Since its inception, Perikatan has been marred by internal conflicts and power struggles, particularly between PAS and Bersatu.

The recent Negeri Sembilan state election saw PAS and Bersatu's differing ideologies and interests come to a head. While PAS has been pushing for a more Islamist agenda, Bersatu has been advocating for a more inclusive and moderate approach. The tension between the two parties has been simmering for months, with some speculating that the Negeri Sembilan election would be a decisive test of their partnership.

Key Details

Azmin Ali stated that no clause in the PN constitution allows a member party's membership to lapse on its own. He emphasized that Bersatu's position could only be decided by the PN presidential council under Clause 7A of the coalition's constitution. The secretary-general also accused the coalition's leadership of breaching its constitution by barring Bersatu representatives from attending the PN supreme council meeting on July 16, which decided seat allocations and cooperation with Barisan Nasional for the recent Negeri Sembilan state election.

Azmin Ali added that the PAS president had no veto power to decide Bersatu's status, and his remarks reflected a lack of understanding of the coalition's constitution. The Bersatu secretary-general also highlighted that Clause 7 of the PN constitution grants each member party full rights to attend, express views, and vote in meetings of the supreme council, state liaison bodies, and area liaison bodies.

What Experts Say

Analysts have long warned that the internal conflicts within Perikatan would eventually lead to its downfall. "The PAS-Bersatu axis is a ticking time bomb, and it's only a matter of time before it explodes," said a prominent political analyst. "The fact that PAS is now trying to unilaterally decide Bersatu's status in the coalition is a clear indication of its desperation to maintain control."

Another expert pointed out that the PN constitution is clear on the process of deciding a member party's status. "The presidential council has the final say in matters of membership, and any attempts to bypass this process are a clear breach of the constitution," said the expert.

Key Takeaways

• Bersatu's membership in Perikatan Nasional has not lapsed, according to the PN constitution.
• PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang has no veto power to decide Bersatu's status in the coalition.
• The coalition's leadership has breached its constitution by barring Bersatu representatives from attending the PN supreme council meeting.
• The internal conflicts within Perikatan are likely to continue, with PAS and Bersatu's differing ideologies and interests at the forefront.

What This Means For You

The ongoing power struggle within Perikatan Nasional has significant implications for the country's political landscape. As the coalition's internal conflicts continue to simmer, it's essential for Malaysians to remain vigilant and informed about the developments.

As a citizen, it's crucial to understand the nuances of the PN constitution and the implications of the coalition's internal conflicts. By staying informed, you can make more informed decisions about the parties and coalitions that represent you in the upcoming elections.

Moreover, the ongoing power struggle within Perikatan highlights the importance of good governance principles and the need for coalition leaders to adhere to the constitution. By holding leaders accountable for their actions, we can ensure that the country's democratic institutions remain strong and resilient.