Tuan Ibrahim said all PN components should focus on their actual political rivals instead of bickering among themselves.
“All parties must stop issuing public statements that only worsen the situation and to instead prioritise internal mechanisms to prudently resolve any turmoil.
“The people are banking on PN. The unity that we have built all this while would surely unnerve and be envied by our political rivals, especially Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional.
“Therefore, let us not give our enemies ammo to divide us. Differences of opinion must be managed in a mature manner to preserve our unity,” he said in a statement.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also the Pahang opposition leader, said the reality of political cooperation is that parties will not be able to get everything they want and compromises have to be made.
“However, mutual respect and holding fast to the basis of our cooperation is key to our collective strength.
“Stop issuing statements that hurt the feelings of allies. Stop stabbing friends in the back or even taking delight when an ally falters. Respect the decisions of allies and be ready to receive reprimands and other views with an open heart,” he said.
Earlier today, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that his party and PAS have agreed to abolish the PN chairman’s post as part of the coalition’s restructuring at a meeting held at his home more than a week ago.
Muhyiddin, who resigned as the PN chairman on Jan 1, said they also agreed that the PN presidential council headed by Bersatu would be the highest decision-making body in the coalition, while an executive council led by PAS would handle the administrative aspects.
However, Tuan Ibrahim denied Muhyiddin’s claim, saying the matter was not even discussed during the meeting on Jan 16.
In a separate letter sighted by FMT, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang said the party’s stand is that the presidential council would only be an advisory body, with the Supreme Council to remain the coalition’s executive decision maker.
Two PAS Youth leaders later took aim at Muhyiddin, with the central youth wing’s chief, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, mocking the Bersatu president’s effort to abolish the PN chairmanship.
Tuan Ibrahim warned that PN’s rivals are happy to see the internal squabbling as they ultimately want to see the coalition fall apart.
He called for all PN leaders to close ranks and foster a closer relationship with one another, especially if they want the coalition to win the support of Malaysians in the next general election.
“Some issue statements that are good and help to strengthen unity; that’s important to clear up confusion and support party decisions.
“However, there are some who are better off not writing their statements if they only serve to confuse (PN) members. Ask yourself truthfully: what position should we all take for the sake of this alliance,” he said.