United Front Could Grow To 14 Parties Says Muhyiddin

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The Bersatu president says new parties are interested in a loose coalition formed to hold the government accountable.Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said new parties are interested in joining the loose coalition formed against the government.PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin says more parties are set to join a united opposition front formed by parties outside the government bloc
“Today, I received a letter for a meeting. New parties (are interested), and the number may increase to 14 opposition parties,” he said at a dinner after Bersatu’s general assembly today.
He said there were 12 parties at the first informal teatime gathering. “After that, during our first formal meeting, which almost everyone attended, we agreed on the most important matter, which was our relationship in national politics.”
Muhyiddin had said earlier in the evening that he was optimistic about the formation of the coalition. “The prospects in the long run look good to me,” he said at a press conference after the general assembly.
“One of the first decisions we agreed upon was related to the economy. But it’s not just about making decisions. We want to take further action,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the coalition would work on specific issues such as support for small and medium enterprises.
“We will take steps together with party leaders and meet SME associations, whether Malay, Chinese or Indian. That is not an issue for us,” he said. “Now we have cut across racial boundaries – we want to meet them and discuss,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the coalition’s cooperation could also extend to the electoral front.
“Of course, the question will arise on how we can work together, even though we come from different parties. Can we establish solid cooperation?
“Will they want to join Perikatan Nasional? Or will they form an electoral pact to avoid multi-cornered contests that could harm us? All this will be discussed. The prospects in the long run look good to me,” he said.
Last month, 11 parties outside the government bloc agreed to form a loose coalition to hold the current administration accountable and highlight issues affecting the people, including reform pledges they claim Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has failed to deliver.
The Supreme Councils of Bersatu and PN had previously agreed to allow Muhyiddin to spearhead efforts to build a united opposition front in preparation for the 16th general election.
On July 18, the Bersatu president held a meeting with the heads of various parties opposed to the government. - FMT

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