KOTA BARU: Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has been forced to double back on his remarks that Perikatan Nasional (PN) would be open to forming a coalition with Barisan Nasional (BN) or other political parties after the 15th General Election, following a dressing down by PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.
In a press conference, Takiyuddin said any decision to form a coalition with BN or other political parties after GE15 would only be made by PN's leaders.
However, he said Pas would stick to its previous stance that the party was ready to cooperate with other political parties after GE15, but not with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its component parties.
"I would like to explain here that what I had said last night was in my capacity as Pas secretary-general and not on behalf of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
"I said this based on the explanation given by the Pas president that Pas is ready to form a coalition with any party, but not with PH and DAP.
"The news report today that stated PN will form a coalition with BN is not right, and any decision will only be made by party leaders in PN. I just explained Pas's stance in the issue if we win the general election.
"If after the general election, PN decides to form a coalition with any party including BN, the decision must be made by all parties in PN and not by Pas alone," he added.
Earlier today, Berita Harian reported that Takiyuddin said he was confident that the coalition could form the next government, especially with BN, after GE15.
He was quoted as saying: "I am confident that we (PN) can form a federal government whether on our own or with other parties, including BN. Working with PH, however, is not an option."
Takiyuddin also said he was confident that BN would agree to form a government with PN (after GE15).
In response, Muhyiddin said Takiyuddin had no authority to discuss forming a new government with BN, and maintained his stance that the coalition's aim in contesting in GE15 was to form a government on its own.
"Our aim is to contest and form a government on our own, without having to work with BN or PH.
"As the chairman, I have not given any mandate to Takiyuddin to negotiate with BN on forming a government after GE15.
"I hope that PN can win enough seats to form a federal government and get the state governments involved in GE15," he said in a statement on Twitter.
Meanwhile, in a Facebook posting, Takiyuddin said he was quoted out of context by the news report.
"The headline of the news also aims to confuse the voters. I would like to stress here that l am confident that PN can form a government alone and the prime minister will be from PN.
"We believe the people are more confident with PN's theme which is concern, clean and stable.
"With this clear explanation, any statement regarding BN's cooperation should not arise and Pas is confident that PN will form the sole government after GE15," he added.