Loose group IPR could become ‘new PN’, says Bersatu co-founder

The loose Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance could be turned into a new Perikatan Nasional (PN), Bersatu co-founder Redzuan Yusof said after the coalition’s deregistration by the Registrar of Societies (RoS).

Redzuan said PN remained a strong brand, and did not rule out Bersatu taking the initiative to revive it with a different vision and direction, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“When Umno was deregistered (in 1988), Umno Baru came into being. I cannot rule out efforts to create a new PN,” he was quoted as saying.

Redzuan said the direction of any new coalition would depend on discussions between Bersatu’s political bureau and other parties.

“Whatever it may be, it is up to Bersatu’s leadership and other parties to manage it accordingly,” he said.

IPR, launched in October last year, brought together leaders from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, Muda, MAP, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party and Urimai.

However, the absence of PAS representatives from recent IPR meetings has raised questions about its continued participation in the coalition.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin previously suggested that IPR be incorporated into PN, or that both entities form an electoral pact for the next general election.

The RoS deregistered PN on Tuesday after finding that the coalition’s explanation failed to rebut the grounds stated in an earlier notice.

The registrar acted on a complaint by Bersatu, which alleged it was denied the right to attend, speak and vote at the PN Supreme Council meeting on July 16.

PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan was reported as saying the coalition would challenge the deregistration and seek a stay of its implementation.

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