MUDA and the Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) have denied joining Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s proposed united opposition bloc, potentially undermining the former Prime Minister’s latest effort to bolster his position within PN.
Meanwhile, PAS explained that its leaders were occupied with other commitments, giving the impression that an opposition leader’s major effort to rally parties was not a priority for them.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man explained that party leaders could not attend the meeting due to prior commitments in Kedah following Thursday’s ‘Himpunan Mandat Negarawan’ rally.
Muda stated it is open to cooperating with any party sharing its principles while PSM clarified it did not assent to joining PN.
“If we talk about differences, every party present has significant differences. But I think there are a few fundamental issues that we are all concerned about.
“These include the rising cost of living affecting the people, the increasing abuse of power, and the reform promises that remain unfulfilled,” Muda’s Acting President, Amira Aisya Abd Aziz said in a statement on Saturday.
Nevertheless, she stressed that the opposition must remain strong and principled to hold the government accountable.
Muda currently has political understandings with PSM and a cooperation agreement under URA with Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang).
PSM deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan said his party attended the meeting as part of its policy to engage with any political group but has not decided to join PN or any new coalition. Any coalition decision must be approved by PSM’s Congress.
On Friday, Muhyiddin held a meeting with 11 opposition party leaders to discuss the proposal to form a cross-party alliance.
Muhyiddin, who is also President of Bersatu, said the discussion aimed to gather views and preliminary agreement on establishing a political coalition involving various opposition parties to strengthen the voice of checks and balances both inside and outside Parliament. —July 20, 2025
Main image: The Diplomat
