In a decisive turn of events at the Bersatu general assembly, Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement of relinquishing his position as party president ahead of the upcoming elections faced unanimous disapproval from delegates. The rejection, vocalized by 20 speakers participating in this year’s annual general assembly, underscored a clear dissent against Muhyiddin’s decision. Bersatu’s Permanent Chairman, Suhaimi Abdullah, officially conveyed the assembly’s stance, additionally dismissing two other proposals put forth by Muhyiddin – the suggestion to identify a successor for the presidency and the assertion that this assembly would mark his final term at the helm.
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Suhaimi cited specific points from Muhyiddin’s address, encapsulated in sections 123, 124, and 125 of the president’s speech at the assembly. This unprecedented move follows the Supreme Council’s unanimous rejection of Muhyiddin’s decision in a preceding emergency meeting chaired by Deputy President Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
In a statement issued by Bersatu’s Secretary-General, Hamzah Zainudin, the party officially rebuffed Muhyiddin’s withdrawal, emphasizing a divergence in opinion over the party’s leadership direction. Muhyiddin, in justifying his decision, pointed to the abundance of capable leaders within the party and called for a thoughtful deliberation among party leaders to identify a suitable successor, aiming to preempt internal discord.
The developments come on the heels of Muhyiddin’s acknowledgment, reported by FMT last week, of mounting calls for leadership changes, including assertions from Supreme Council member Eddin Syazlee Shith, advocating for a reshuffle to address perceived voids within the party’s leadership. As Bersatu grapples with this internal discord, the rejection of Muhyiddin’s withdrawal sets the stage for a pivotal chapter in the party’s political trajectory.