Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that the government hesitated to declare six Dewan Rakyat seats vacant that were previously controlled by Bersatu members for fear of losing another election.
In his statement at the party's convention recently, the Bersatu president stated that the recent Sungai Bakap by-election (PRK) demonstrated an increase in support for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) alliance, as reported by Sinar Harian.
"Despite their position of authority, they are extremely weak. In all of my political experience, I've never seen the government party lose so heavily in a by-election. With all of their power, it's amazing that they lost so easily.
"That is why they are hesitant to declare six parliamentary seats and one state assembly seat vacant for former Bersatu members who defected, even if doing so goes against the Federal Constitution.
"They are willing to violate the provisions of the constitution that they themselves fought for and enacted because they were afraid of losing," said the former prime minister.
Muhyidin, a former prime minister, gave his launch speech at a special convention in Selayang, Selangor.
However, UMNO recently released a statement in Harian Metro regarding this issue. Umno denied the claims of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which stated that the Unity Government was afraid of facing defeat following the decision not to declare vacancies in six parliamentary seats that support the leadership of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said there is no fear of defeat in politics, and the party is ready to contest in the event of by-elections (PRK) in the six Parliaments concerned.
However, he stated that it is up to either party to take the situation to the next level.
"It is not due to fear of losing; we believe these six seats were formerly held by Umno, and even if they are declared empty, Umno will contest,” said Zahid Hamidi.
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