PETALING JAYA: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders should be “role models” for society, demonstrating integrity and other noble values worthy of emulation, says party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       Muhyiddin, who resigned as prime minister on Aug 16, said party members must remain patient and calm in facing obstacles, while systematically inculcating good leadership values within the party that marked its fifth year of existence yesterday.

       “We must always emphasise the principles of unity in a country that is racially and religiously diverse.

       “The Bersatu leadership at every branch must strive to be role models for society, especially to youths who will be our future leaders,” he said in his speech yesterday during Bersatu’s anniversary celebration here.

       Muhyiddin also announced the formation of the Bersatu Leadership Academy, to provide leadership training centred on values and the spirit of Bersatu’s struggles, as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

       At the same time, he said the party administration at all levels, including state, division and branch leadership, must be strengthened.

       “The party’s administration must be properly arranged in order to ensure all plans can be carried out perfectly,” he added.

       He said although Bersatu was a young party, he was confident that if the party could be managed properly, then the public would be able to see it was different from others.

       “We will make a difference and we will bring about real change to the country’s political values, cultures and practices,” said Muhyiddin, adding that while waiting for the 15th general election, party members must make all the necessary preparations and work at convincing the public that Bersatu was about serving Malaysians.

       “Prove to the people that Bersatu’s political culture is different. Our politics is politics of service and care, to serve Malaysians regardless of race and religion.

       “Our politics is not based on jealousy and resentment. We don’t practise extreme racial politics, and we are not greedy and hungry for power,” he said.

       He gave an account of his recent resignation as prime minister, explaining he has to abide by the Constitution whereby one has to resign as premier once he loses his parliamentary majority.

       “I can choose to be silent and do nothing after I resign. But, I have a responsibility as Bersatu president and Perikatan chairman.”

       “What would have happened if I and all Bersatu MPs chose not to take a stand in the formation of the new government and the selection of the new prime minister?” he asked.

       He said if Bersatu chose to abstain from the formation of the present government, then the national political situation would continue to be unstable as no one had a clear majority to lead as premier.

       Muhyiddin also said Bersatu and Perikatan component parties such as PAS, Sabah STAR, SAPP and Gerakan would remain in the present government to continue efforts in steering the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic until there was a suitable time to hold the general election.