JOHOR BARU: DAP claims that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is currently experiencing a decline in support following the latest controversy involving its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
DAP deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong alleges that this decline stems from Bersatu, particularly due to Muhyiddin's attitude, which remains trapped in the former prime minister's role he held briefly before.
In contrast, he said, Pas remains strong, and it is predicted to remain resilient if it succeeds in bringing about reforms and moving beyond racial and religious sentiments.
"I believe that PN as the opposition is currently in decline.
"This has been exacerbated by the coalition's defeat in the Nenggiri by-election, along with the controversy surrounding the PN chairman in his conflict with Al-Sultan Abdullah, due to his remarks that questioned the Sultan's authority during the Nenggiri campaign.
"One of the reasons contributing to PN's decline is Muhyiddin, who is also the president of Bersatu, who is seen as still trapped and stuck in the pride of his brief tenure as prime minister, thus unable to move forward beyond that phase.
"Muhyiddin is still dreaming of becoming Prime Minister again.
He continues to talk about the events surrounding the formation of the government in November 2022, which has led him to question the official decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at that time.
"It is a sad reflection of an unfulfilled fantasy," he said in a statement today.
Previously, a speech by Muhyiddin, in which he allegedly questioned the authority of Al-Sultan Abdullah during his time as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, went viral on social media during a public talk at the Nenggiri by-election in Felda Perasu on August 15.
On August 19, Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, reportedly expressed his displeasure and deep disappointment over Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's actions, which were seen as deliberately and cynically belittling and questioning the duties and roles of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during his time as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In a statement issued by Istana Abdulaziz, Tengku Hassanal urged the police to take firm action without compromise against the PN Chairman, who had deliberately touched on the 3R (Race, Religion, Royalty) sentiments.
Liew, who is also Johor DAP chairman, further commented that Bersatu's strength today is only based on the belief of its members that Muhyiddin can make a comeback as prime minister.
"This idea (Muhyiddin's return as PM) led PN to win 74 out of 222 parliamentary seats in the 15th General Election (GE15), with Pas' help.
"However, the idea of making Muhyiddin the prime minister can no longer save the party.
"Moreover, Pas has introduced a rising leader, the Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Samsuri Mokhtar, as the next potential prime minister candidate," he said.
He said Bersatu also faces many internal differences, including the potential for division among its leaders following the party's upcoming elections in October.