PETALING JAYA: Umno did not return to power on its own strength alone but with the support of Perikatan Nasional and other allies, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president said this support will stay if Umno keeps to its word and adheres to certain terms and conditions set when Perikatan was formed.

       “As long as these terms continue to be met, we will continue to support them until it is time for the next general election,” he said in his keynote speech at Bersatu’s fourth annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Dec 19).

       Muhyiddin reminded leaders from other parties, mainly Umno, to respect the Perikatan coalition formed with Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Sabah STAR, SAPP, as well as allies from Sarawak namely Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) among others.

       “Therefore, I ask certain quarters in Umno to show some respect, and ‘jangan mudah lupa diri’ (don’t forget easily),” he said in response to concerns raised by Bersatu members on the party's direction after Umno said it would not be working together in the next general election.

       The former prime minister urged members to remember the basis for the party's formation five years ago.

       As a reminder, he said the party was formed when the country faced one of its darkest moments with kleptocrats within the government, and the 1MDB scandal.

       He said voters today no longer blindly supported a political party based on its logo, especially since information on misconduct, leaders' non-performance and anything that does not contribute to the wellbeing of the people is just a click away.

       Muhyiddin said voters keep track of the services rendered to the people in terms of healthcare, welfare, aid during a disaster, as well as how the Covid-19 pandemic was handled.

       He said the values of leaders and whether they are just, responsible, truthful and honest, are other important aspects that must not be overlooked, adding that such aspects make or break a party, he said.

       “When the nation was hit by one of the biggest scandals in the world - the 1MDB scandal - we had nothing when we started Bersatu,” Muhyiddin said.

       “During my 17-month stint as PM, I always stressed the need for integrity and (being anti-corruption),” he added.

       He also announced the formation of a new wing, Srikandi Muda, to attract more young women to join and strengthen the party.

       He also expressed his gratitude to Perikatan's allies and members for their support, and listed their achievements during his tenure as prime minister in the midst of the pandemic.