Speculation of government block MPs switching to PN gathers strength

SHAH ALAM - Whispers of a potential exodus of government block MPs to Perikatan Nasional (PN) have intensified, overshadowing rumors of PN defections to the opposition.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof said that this speculation is not merely hearsay, citing internal discussions among top leaders.

According to Redzuan, over 10 MPs from government coalition parties, including Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), are reportedly ready to defect to the Opposition, paving the way for other government MPs to follow suit.

While Redzuan declined to identify the specific MPs contemplating a switch, he hinted at the presence of dissatisfaction within the Unity Government, particularly regarding its perceived dominance by the DAP.

"A tree doesn't shake without wind," Redzuan said, alluding to the recent revelation by Umno Secretary-General Datuk Seri Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki of a loyalty agreement worth RM100 million to retain BN MPs.

Redzuan's comments come amidst rumors of potential defections from Bersatu and PN to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Madani Government.

Internal Perikatan Nasional sources suggest that at least eight Bersatu MPs from Perak and Kedah may follow in the footsteps of five party members who have already switched sides.

In late November, Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal openly declared his support for Anwar and the government in the Dewan Rakyat.

Four other Opposition MPs from Bersatu have also expressed support for the Prime Minister's leadership.

Redzuan did not rule out the possibility of an entire component party within the Unity Government defecting to PN en bloc, further bolstering the opposition's numbers.

"Even though the Unity Government claims to have the support of 154 MPs, that support is still very fragile," Redzuan said.