02/10/2025

THURSDAY | OCT 2, 2025

3 Strategic PH-BN alliance key to regaining ground in GE16

PKR Youth seeks update over video

PETALING JAYA: Wangsa Maju PKR Youth has sought clarification on the status of a 2019 police report lodged against Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in relation to a widely circulated video. Wangsa Maju youth deputy chief Ammar Othman, in a statement, asked whether the report – filed by then Selangor PKR youth information chief Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim - had been withdrawn after he joined Bersatu. He said the report, lodged on June 12, 2019, at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, was among the earliest formal complaints following the emergence of the controversial video during the Sandakan by election. It also requested that the matter be referred to the Islamic religious authorities. “PKR Youth is seeking clarification whether the report is still active or has been withdrawn and what this means for the investigation” He noted that Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan had recently referred to the matter in a media statement. Ammar also urged the home minister to update the public on the investigation. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Recent study suggests pact could swing 52 Malay-majority seats if parties cooperate and three-cornered fights are avoided, says Amanah deputy president

Amanah and Umno – can avoid internal clashes and present a united front, their chances of reclaiming seats from PN rise significantly. “This isn’t just about electoral gains. It’s about political stability and forming a government that can last and govern effectively.” Mujahid said the strategy depends on smart cooperation, respect for grassroots realities and putting national interest ahead of partisan ego. “The people want an effective government, not endless turmoil. The Malay-majority seats lost to PN can become the battleground for that change.” He also pointed out that under Malaysia’s first-past-the-post system (winner-take-all system), avoiding three-cornered fights is critical. “That’s why we need a pact. Seat distribution must involve give and take – that’s what makes this coalition unique.” Mujahid noted that unlike past pre-election coalitions, the current PH-BN alliance was born after GE15 because no single bloc could form a government on its own. The challenge now, he said, is to formalise a formula that preserves this cooperation. The biggest test, however, lies in deciding who contests where, particularly in marginal or previously Pas-held constituencies such as Parit Buntar. “First, there must be consensus on who defends existing seats. For those we aim to recapture from PN, we need to look at past performance – whether PH or BN placed second.” In Gerik, Perak, where BN came in second, Mujahid said logic would suggest giving BN the chance to contest again, “but relying only on past results has its pitfalls, especially in competitive states like Perak”. “There will have to be adjustments and swaps based on mutual agreement to maintain harmony,” he added.

PETALING JAYA: The alliance between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming 16th General Election (GE16) could deliver an extra 52 Malay-majority parliamentary seats, but only if both blocs avoid clashing with each other and take on Perikatan Nasional (PN) in straight fights. Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said this projection was based on the GE15 results, when all three major coalitions contested separately. “A recent study suggests that, on

reached its ceiling in terms of winnable seats. “DAP is saturated. They’ve hit their peak. The contest in GE16 will largely be fought by Malay-based parties. That’s where the real opportunity lies to deliver a more stable government.” He stressed that if PH and BN – particularly components PKR,

paper, PH and BN could reclaim around 52 parliamentary seats lost to PN – provided seat negotiations are done strategically and multi cornered fights are avoided,” he told theSun . “These are primarily in Malay majority constituencies.” Mujahid added that DAP, a key component of PH, has already

Mujahid said the people want an effective government and to do that there must be smart cooperation, respect for grassroots realities and priority on national interest. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Rifts widen in Bersatu amid claims of manipulation, leadership betrayal PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s Port Dickson division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin has warned that individuals close to party “These people must be stopped,” he told theSun when contacted. He said bread-and-butter allegations that Bersatu had depended on its (PAS) funds and machinery. He also criticised Muhyiddin’s premature nomination as PN’s prime ministerial candidate alleged plot to unseat Muhyiddin. Speculation swirled that 120 division leaders had signed statutory declarations (SD) to pressure Muhyiddin to quit.

during Bersatu’s annual general assembly, calling it poorly timed and divisive, especially after PAS pushed back against the announcement. “If this continues, the people may not just turn their backs on Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, but on us as well.” The discord comes on the heels of Supreme Council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s broadside against Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, whom he accused of wielding excessive influence and sidelining division leaders. Wan Saiful said he would refer Azmin and Tun Faisal to the disciplinary board, alleging they had threatened leaders tied to an

“The president must now explain where the RM10 million came from. “If not, he risks walking into a legal trap set by his own people,” Badrul warned. On claims by Negeri Sembilan Bersatu chief Hanifah Abu Baker, he said Muhyiddin’s visits to Negeri Sembilan had been arranged without informing local divisions. “I believe the president was either unaware or manipulated by those around him. “Ultimately, it is he who faces the public’s anger when things go wrong,” Badrul said, adding that forcing candidates and programmes on divisions without consultation has damaged credibility and unity.

concerns, including the rising cost of living and land issues in Kampung Sungai Baru, are being drowned out by leaders obsessed with positions and political narratives. The rift widened after Bersatu information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz made controversial remarks on financial transactions in past elections. Badrul claimed the comments could backfire on Muhyiddin, exposing him to scrutiny. He referred to Tun Faisal’s claim that Muhyiddin, while serving as prime minister in 2020, had channelled RM10 million to Umno during the Sabah state election – remarks made in response to PAS

president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin are exploiting his name for personal and political gain, a situation he fears could ultimately drag the former prime minister down. The outspoken leader, better known as Chegubard, said factionalism and power struggles over endorsements and appointments are eroding the party’s mission to serve the rakyat . “Some are using the president’s name to push unqualified individuals into candidacy positions. “I’ve spoken to the president directly and he disagrees with this practice, but silence is no longer an option.

But the claim was denied by the group in a press conference on Sept 30. Among them, Bersatu Ipoh Timur division chief Muhammad Fadhli Ismail said he was wrongly accused. “I am the one who stood up during the general assembly when Muhyiddin claimed there was a plan to oust him. “I shouted that it’s not true. The SD we signed did not call for him to step down,” he told theSun. Despite the denials, the episode has left Bersatu grappling with internal mistrust and uncertainty over its leadership direction. – By IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE