PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has urged party members to remain steadfast in facing “dirty, undemocratic, and unconstitutional” politics played by their rivals.
In a statement in conjunction with Bersatu’s eighth anniversary, Muhyiddin said the party’s foundation is now being openly threatened.
“Our efforts to defend the rights of Malays and Bumiputeras, as well as the position of Islam, without infringing upon the rights of others as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, are being framed as crimes relating to race, religion and royalty.
“We are accused of incitement and face threats of prosecution even though our aim is merely to uphold the legitimate struggle of our party,” he said, adding that the party’s detractors wish to silence them.
Muhyiddin claimed that the current government, when in opposition, had championed the rights and freedoms of the people in the name of reforms.
“Today, they shamelessly use the instruments of law and government institutions to suppress their political opponents.
“What is their goal? None other than political gain.”
Muhyiddin, a former prime minister, claimed trial at the sessions court in Gua Musang last month to a charge of making seditious remarks at a ceramah in the run-up to the Nenggiri by-election.
In his speech, he had questioned why he was not invited by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, to be sworn in as prime minister after the 15th general election, despite having the backing of 115 MPs.
Last week, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption commission raided YTL Communications Sdn Bhd’s office in Kuala Lumpur today as part of an investigation into the now-defunct RM4 billion 1BestariNet project.
In 2011, YTL Communications was awarded the 1BestariNet project, which was initiated by Muhyiddin when he was education minister in Najib Razak’s government.
Bersatu also faced a crisis when six of its MPs and one elected state representative switched sides and pledged support for the government of the day.
Muhyiddin called on all party members to acknowledge that although Bersatu is only eight years old, their struggle is part of a long history dating back to the struggle for independence.
“No matter the storms that come, no matter the lightning and thunder that shake the world, remain steadfast in this struggle.
“If not you, then who will carry the torch and banner of this noble cause for our religion, race, and homeland?”
