Melaka Bersatu information chief Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s suggestion that his party and Bersatu contest future elections separately showed that the Islamic party was in a state of “unease and defensiveness”.

“PN was built on mutual understanding and trust,” said Hishamuddin in a statement, adding that no single party should boast that it alone is the strongest and has contributed the most.

“If PAS is truly strong enough to stand on its own, then prove it to the people without constantly blaming and belittling its coalition partners.”

Earlier today, Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu also said PAS was free to go its own way.

Fadhli had said there was little hope for harmonious cooperation if remarks that Bersatu lacked an effective grassroots network were easily dismissed.

He was referring to a viral video of a ceramah by Azmin Ali in Melaka on Saturday night, in which the Bersatu secretary-general pushed back against claims that his party lacked grassroots machinery and urged critics to “open their eyes and ears”.

However, Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said Azmin’s remarks were not directed at PAS but certain people who had allegedly ignored explanations provided by party leaders and misrepresented decisions made by the PN Supreme Council.