KUALA LUMPUR – The relationship between the component parties within Perikatan Nasional (PN) remains steadfast, with leadership dismissing claims of internal rifts following the absence of PAS at a recent high-level gathering.
P. Punithan, President of the Malaysian Indian People’s Party (MIPP), clarified that the coalition is “stable and steady” despite rumors of friction. He emphasized that the bond between the parties remains rooted in strong camaraderie as they prepare for the 16th General Election (GE16).
A “Family” Dynamic Addressing the absence of PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and other PAS representatives at a meeting held at Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s residence on Thursday night, Punithan noted that such occurrences are normal in the political landscape.
“They did not provide a specific reason for their absence, but that is fine. This is a common occurrence in politics. We are like brothers; the bond is still very high, and discussions with PAS are ongoing,” Punithan told reporters.
“Government in Waiting” The meeting, which was attended by Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Gerakan President Datuk Dominic Lau, focused on refining the coalition’s future direction. Punithan reiterated that PN is operating as a “government in waiting,” ready to take over the administration in the next election.
“There are no bad signs. We are all good, we are in discussion, and we are strengthening our internal cooperation to ensure a clear path forward for the coalition,” he added.
Future Planning A formal top-level meeting involving all component parties, including PAS, is expected to be convened soon once all parties have reached a consensus on the strategic roadmap. Punithan urged supporters not to be swayed by perceptions of conflict, asserting that PN remains a unified front committed to its core principles.
