Ismail, an Umno vice-president, said the Perikatan Nasional chairman’s strong rebuke against PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan yesterday was “embarrassing” when the Islamic party was larger and more established than Bersatu.

According to an Utusan Malaysia report, Ismail said PAS should be the dominant party in PN instead of Bersatu, or at least have a stronger say in the coalition.

“But it looks like when PAS voices its view, it’s always being criticised by the Bersatu president. If that’s how it’s going to be, it would be better for PAS to think about working with other parties,” he said.

Yesterday, Takiyuddin reportedly said he was confident that Barisan Nasional would be open to working with PN to form the next federal government if there was a hung Parliament after the general election.

According to Berita Harian, he said he was confident that PN would be able to form the government, whether on its own or with other parties, including BN. However, working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) was not an option.

Takiyuddin said BN was PN’s “first reference” in forming the government, adding that there were discussions before campaigning but none were held during this period.

A few hours later, Muhyiddin said he did not give Takiyuddin the mandate to hold discussions with BN about forming the government with PN.

Muhyiddin maintained that PN was contesting in GE15 to form the government on its own, without having to work with BN or PH.

Following that, Takiyuddin said his remark had been taken out of context, and he had full confidence in PN’s ability to form the government on its own.