PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has denied allegations that he is making an attempt to return as premier again.
The Perikatan Nasional chairman said a few Opposition leaders had sought a meeting with the coalition.
Muhyiddin said he had met with leaders from various political parties except Barisan Nasional, in order to find common ground ahead of the 15th General Election.
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"I want to stress here that I have never told anyone that I have majority support from MPs. That allegation is untrue.
"What was discussed in the series of meetings with leaders is to find an understanding to take on GE15," said the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president in a statement on Sunday (June 5).
Muhyiddin described the meetings as "unofficial", adding that it came about after several leaders from political parties approached him after the Johor state election.
"Many are of the opinion that the best way to take on GE15 is to work out a one-on-one formula to face Barisan.
"Barisan's victory in the Melaka and Johor state elections was merely because votes were split between other parties.
"Barisan would not have garnered majority support, and in fact, support for the coalition did not increase."
Muhyiddin said he took the initiative to reach out to political leaders except Barisan in order to exchange opinions regarding the one-on-one formula.
"I've taken this initiative after the Bersatu political bureau and supreme council agreed to it. I did not act alone," added the Pagoh MP.
In the Johor polls last month, Barisan led the popular vote with 599,753 votes, followed by Perikatan (334,457) and Pakatan (284,969).
Similarly in the Melaka state election last November, Barisan led the popular vote with 599,753 votes, followed by Perikatan (334,457) and Pakatan (284,969).
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Elaborating on the one-on-one formula, Muhyiddin said the proposed method is a form of cooperation or electoral pact that does not involve the formation of new political coalitions.
Muhyiddin said the proposed electoral pact would be based on one common agenda to ensure that Barisan does not return to power.
"I believe the majority of people reject kleptocracy and efforts must be made to stop Barisan from returning to power in this country," said Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin said after taking into account the various views of political leaders, he is aware of the political stance of each party on this proposal.
Muhyiddin said he is still open to the one-on-one formula, adding that this was part of unofficial talks between political parties.
"Bersatu is open to political parties except Barisan, in order to achieve a consensus regarding the best formula to take on GE15," added Muhyiddin.
At an event in Libaran, Sandakan on May 29, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal claimed that Muhyiddin told him that he had the backing of 119 MPs in the 222-member Dewan Rakyat.
Shafie also claimed that he discussed the matter with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who he said was agreeable to supporting Muhyiddin.
"I told him (Muhyiddin), if you have the numbers, go ahead, I won't follow you," Shafie said.
Shafie's revelation triggered responses from various Barisan leaders, among them advisory board chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who questioned whether Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan had reneged on their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Muhyiddin was appointed prime minister following the fall of Pakatan Harapan after the Sheraton Move in February 2020.
After just 17 months in power, Muhyiddin tendered his resignation in August after a group of Umno MPs led by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi withdrew support for him.
Ismail Sabri was subsequently appointed prime minister, and signed an MOU for bipartisanship support with Pakatan in September to restore political stability.