SHAH ALAM: Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional going against one another in the Melaka state election will hopefully not cause any major issues in the running of the Federal Government, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The Perikatan Nasional chairman said this when asked how contesting against one another in the Melaka polls would affect the relationship between Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Umno, who are both part of the Federal Government.

       “As far as we are concerned at the federal level, the government that is now being formed is a coalition of many parties. It is a bit unusual, but I think that it is for the sake of the nation that this has been done to ensure some form of stability. Even the present government is willing to sign an MOU with the Opposition for example,” said Muhyiddin during the candidate announcement and presentation of candidate credentials event at Glenmarie Hotel & Golf Resort on Saturday (Nov 6) evening.

       “I think this is ok, as far as the Federal Government is concerned, so hopefully it will not in any way create any major issue and I think Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri hopefully will be working well with the rest of the members of the Cabinet, whether they come from Barisan Nasional or from Perikatan Nasional,” he said.

       Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, said that Perikatan will respect the decision of respective coalitions to contest in Melaka on their own.

       “It also gives an opportunity for Melaka voters to make the right choice, to make the correct decision. I trust the Melaka people have a very sharp knowledge of the political situation. They have seen what Perikatan has done, especially during my tenure as Prime Minister,” said Muhyiddin, who added that Perikatan believes that it has strong support in Melaka.

       When asked about requiring statutory declarations for its candidate as a deterrent against potential party-hopping, Muhyiddin said that there are no plans yet to impose such a measure, as Perikatan is confident in the loyalty of their candidates.

       Bersatu will contest in 15 seats, PAS eight and Gerakan five in the Melaka state polls which will take place on Nov 20, with nomination on Nov 8 and early voting on Nov 16.