Wan Saiful Wan Jan denied assertions by Bersatu leaders that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin founded the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. He said the claim that Muhyiddin originated the idea of PN and its name is a myth. "Clearly, PN was not created by one individual who is being glorified by Bersatu," he said. "Some may say Muhyiddin came up with the idea of forming PN, but that too is a myth" [1].
Wan Saiful added that the original idea behind PN’s formation and the name Perikatan Nasional did not involve Muhyiddin at all. "Some may wish to claim that Muhyiddin was the person who proposed the idea of PN. Once again, that too is a myth," he said [2].
The founding meeting of PN was held on July 29, 2020, on Level 4 of Menara Parliament Tower. It involved 12 representatives from PAS, Bersatu, Gerakan, and MIC. Three individuals proposed PN's formation at the meeting and sent a letter recommending it to then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad [1, 2].
One person drafted a detailed 38-page proposal outlining PN’s formation. Two individuals designed the PN logo currently in use. Muhyiddin suggested using a tree image as a logo later, but that was rejected [1, 2].
Wan Saiful said Muhyiddin only became involved during the later stages of PN’s creation and should not be credited as its founder [1, 2]. PN was officially registered as a coalition in 2020 and launched ahead of the Sabah state election that year [1].
The dispute over PN’s founding emerged amid political tensions after PAS ended cooperation with Bersatu in early September 2026. The split triggered renewed debate over Muhyiddin's role and leadership of the coalition [2].
The coalition’s formation traces back to July 29, 2020, marking the joint effort of multiple parties rather than a single founder. The next major party event involving PN is yet to be announced.
