Better to focus on economy now, GE16 slogans can wait, says Bersatu

Perikatan Nasional won 22 of the 56 state seats in Selangor in the last state elections in August 2023.

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) should focus on addressing the country’s economic woes instead of creating a new narrative ahead of the 16th general election (GE16), says a Bersatu leader.

Selangor PAS information chief Zurk Ahmad yesterday said the Islamic party is banking on a “PAS for all” campaign, last used two decades ago, in hopes of winning power in Selangor in the next general election.

In response, Bersatu Supreme Council member Rafiq Abdullah told FMT he felt that PN should focus on how the government has purportedly failed to develop the economy and address the rising cost of living.

While he said he respects Zurk’s stance, Rafiq said any new narratives for PN’s campaigning in Selangor is one for the coalition’s top leaders to make.

“What is more important is to address the problems we have now. The economy is not being managed well, the ringgit is falling, and prices are rising,” he said.

“We should be focusing on this rather than looking for new GE16 slogans.”

He said PN’s strong achievement in the last state elections was due to its unity, stressing that no party can win an election on its own.

The current Selangor government is run by Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, which have a total of 34 of the 56 state assembly seats.

PN forms the opposition in the state with 22 seats, with PAS holding 10 and Bersatu the remaining 12.