The decision to leave Pakatan Harapan was necessary for the sake of race, religion and country, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Perikatan Nasional chairman said he had no qualms being called a traitor for spearheading the move, which eventually caused the collapse of the Pakatan government in 2020.
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president wrote in a Facebook post that his political manoeuvres, including calling out the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal while he was deputy prime minister, were justified.
“I was ‘kicked out’ from the position of deputy prime minister and sacked from Umno just for criticising the 1MDB scandal. The scandal is the biggest ‘robbery’ in the country’s history and has tarnished Malaysia’s good name in the eyes of the world.
“Never mind. Maybe Allah does not want me to be with evil people.
“I also quit Pakatan because I could not bear with the demands of DAP and PKR, which were not appropriate and also contradicted the demands of religion, nation and country.
“I don’t mind being labelled as a traitor, as I would rather not betray my race, religion and country,” said Muhyiddin in the post.
He called on voters to support Perikatan in the 15th General Election as it was the only coalition that could form a government with “integrity”.
“I know there are still many Malaysians who are struggling due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“God willing, if Perikatan is given the chance to form a government, we will do our best for the benefit of the people.
“To the voters, make a wise decision. Only Perikatan can form a government with integrity.
“There is no other option but Perikatan,” said Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin was former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s deputy during the height of the 1MDB controversy.
He was then sacked in 2016 from his post and his party for going against Najib.
Muhyiddin later formed Bersatu, which aligned itself with Pakatan and managed to win control of the Federal Government in GE14.
However, the Sheraton Move in February 2020 saw the defection of several Members of Parliament from Pakatan – causing the collapse of the Federal Government.
Muhyiddin then formed the Perikatan government with Umno, PAS, GPS and became prime minister.
However, the alliance with Umno was a fractured one and GE15 will see Perikatan go against Barisan Nasional.
On Saturday (Oct 22), PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang admitted that he started the Sheraton Move in 2020 to cut short Pakatan’s tenure as the ruling government.
He said he had also proposed that Muhyiddin be the new prime minister in Malaysia at that time. – The Star