Gerakan, Pas and Bersatu have differences but will stay united in PN - Dominic Lau

SHAH ALAM - Gerakan has affirmed that it would not leave the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, despite disagreements or differences in views with its two allies, Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

Its President Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai said claims suggesting Gerakan might exit PN were merely baseless rumours.

However, Dominic admitted there were differences of opinion between him and other PN leaders, including those from Pas and Bersatu, but he described this as a common occurrence in any political coalition.

Dominic further clarified that all differences had been amicably resolved.

"Each party understood its founding mission: Bersatu focused on championing Malay interests, Pas defended the rights of Muslims, while Gerakan advocated for the welfare of Malaysians of various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds," he said.

According to him, although Bersatu, Pas, and Gerakan had different missions, these differences would not lead to major conflicts that could result in Gerakan leaving PN.

Dominic was responding to claims that Gerakan might leave PN and join the Unity Government coalition due to differing opinions regarding PN’s 'Poster Boy' candidate for the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16).

Earlier, media reports highlighted an exchange of statements between Dominic and Pas leaders following Gerakan’s suggestion that PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remained a suitable candidate for Prime Minister or PN’s Poster Boy in GE16.

Dominic argued that Muhyiddin was qualified for the position due to his extensive experience, strong leadership, and widespread acceptance, even among opposition leaders.

However, Pas spiritual leader Datuk Hashim Jasin held a different view, suggesting that Pas was more suitable to lead PN and rejecting the idea of retaining Muhyiddin as the coalition’s candidate for Prime Minister or Poster Boy for GE16.

Hashim, the former Pas Perlis commissioner also stated that Pas had the largest representation in the Dewan Rakyat and possessed strong grassroots machinery nationwide.

Nonetheless, Dominic reiterated that Gerakan would remain with PN despite occasional differences of opinion among coalition parties.

"Although there were misunderstandings between Gerakan, Pas, and Bersatu, they were not as severe as the tensions between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders," he added.

He added that Gerakan also accepted Islam as the religion of the Federation, as stated in Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution, while recognising the freedom of other religions to be practiced.

"We also acknowledged Malay as the national language according to Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, while the rights to use and develop other languages were equally recognised," he said.