KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is confident that the coalition can win up to 80 per cent of the votes in the upcoming state polls, especially from the Malay population, Malaysiakini reported today.

He cited a study conducted by the coalition that showed that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Gerakan, and PAS were leading in terms of popularity and leadership.

"I am confident, although it’s not 100 per cent, but 70 to 80 per cent of support from the people, especially from the Malays, is very good,” the Pagoh MP was quoted as saying.

"Based on research, we can see the perception from each state such as Selangor, people seem to be moving forward.”

The former prime minister added that the upcoming state elections will become a new benchmark in shaping the future of Malaysia’s political landscape.

Muhyiddin also believed that support for his coalition would grow as the people evaluate and scrutinise the unity government’s performance.

"The people are frustrated... they talk a lot, but they don’t perform like how they talk,” he was quoted as saying, referring to the current administration.

When asked about rumours surrounding former Umno members potentially joining PN in light of the state elections, the news portal reported Muhyiddin saying that he believes many former leaders of Umno no longer see themselves as having a position within Umno’s current political situation.

"I usually don’t know for certain if any of them have joined PAS, it all depends on whatever our colleagues decide.

"What I do know is that those who have joined PAS or Bersatu quietly... feel as though they do not have a place in Umno’s politics anymore.

"Maybe they want to move forward to the future of this country’s politics and they feel they can do it with PN,” the Bersatu president was quoted as saying.

Earlier today, it was reported that former Umno warlord Tan Sri Annuar Musa confirmed that he had applied to join PAS several months ago, but was still pending approval from the Islamist party.

On May 18, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan reportedly suggested that PN was likely to announce Annuar and more than 10 other former Umno leaders as new members of PAS soon.

He added that former Umno youth leader Khairy Jamaluddin has also shown interest in joining Bersatu.

The PN deputy secretary-general was reported saying an announcement is expected at the end of this month about these new PN members.