Muhyiddin: Bersatu has held talks with several parties on new political alliance

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has confirmed that the party has held talks with several political parties on efforts to form a new political alignment and chart its direction for the 16th General Election (GE16).

However, he said no decision had been finalised as discussions were still ongoing.

"Bersatu is open to exploring cooperation with other parties that respect the basic principles of Bersatu's struggle.

"I can say generally that meetings with several political parties have taken place. I have mentioned extending invitations to meet and discuss," he told reporters at Bersatu's 10th anniversary celebration here tonight.

Muhyiddin said Bersatu could not favour any particular party when determining the form of cooperation for a new political alignment.

He said since its establishment, Bersatu had maintained that it could not move on its own and needed cooperation with other parties to strengthen its political position.

"We were tested when we contested alone in the Negri Sembilan election, and that experience proved our position on the importance of cooperation was correct.

"However, Bersatu was denied cooperation by Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly by PAS within PN, and that was what happened," he said.

Muhyiddin said the formation of PN was previously aimed at creating a clear political coalition to strengthen the position of the parties involved.

"When the election came, we contested and won. That's how it works.

"However, Bersatu has no choice if there are parties that decide not to continue the cooperation," he said.