Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Muhyiddin Yassin's reported second thoughts on inking a formal cooperation with Pakatan Harapan may be due to his desire to court PAS, claims former Bersatu member Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

"I am not at all surprised by Muhyiddin's stance to postpone the signing of the agreement with parties in Pakatan Harapan at the Harapan convention in Shah Alam tomorrow.

"Perhaps Muhyiddin has his own agenda and strategy, particularly in an effort to first win over PAS to form an alliance with Bersatu," Khairuddin said in a statement.

Earlier today, The Star, quoting sources, said Muhyiddin had asked for the signing of the agreement with Pakatan Harapan to be postponed.

Khairuddin (photo), who is a stalwart of Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, also noted that Muhyiddin had been lukewarm with Harapan parties, particularly to DAP.

"Muhyiddin did not involve himself in the People's Declaration programmes, which were spearheaded by Mahathir before Bersatu came into being.

"Perhaps this is why Muhyiddin is somewhat cold to the parties in Harapan," he said.

Muhyiddin was a signatory of the People's Declaration, which, among others, called for the removal of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, but he was not very visible in its subsequent programmes.

Khairuddin said those who were involved in the People's Declaration movement managed to cultivate a close relationship with the other opposition parties.

"During this time, Muhyiddin seldom involved himself in the People's Declaration and was seen to be uncomfortable with DAP," he said.

Khairuddin insisted that Muhyiddin should sign the agreement tomorrow, for Bersatu to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan.

"There has to be a cut-off time to court PAS to join forces with Harapan.

"If PAS continues to be reluctant, it will affect Harapan's groundwork for the 14th general election," he said.

He added that if Bersatu consolidates its relationship with Harapan, PAS may then be convinced to work with them.

If Muhyiddin postpones the signing of the agreement, Khairuddin said, it would not inspire confidence in the opposition coalition.