Bersatu will not go solo in GE16, says Muhyiddin

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu will not contest the 16th General Election (GE16) on its own, but will instead move as part of a political coalition, its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

Muhyiddin said any decision taken by the party must be based on its principles and interests.

"Almost everyone who gave me their views said Bersatu cannot move alone. Yes, I agree with this view.

"We must move as part of a political coalition," he said in his speech at Bersatu's 10th anniversary celebration here today.

Muhyiddin said in deciding on coalition partners, Bersatu must choose those who respect the party's struggle and value its contributions.

"Most importantly, (they must be) partners whose principles and aspirations are aligned with those of our party," he said.

He said among Bersatu's key principles was to build a developed, prosperous country free from kleptocratic practices, as well as a progressive and democratic nation that respected the rights of the people enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"This includes forming a country that protects the special position of Malays and Bumiputera, the sanctity of Islam, as well as the legitimate rights of all races," he said.