Despite their party president Muhyiddin Yassin no longer holding the prime minister's post, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said there is no reason for its members to be sad, and that they should instead feel proud.

Wan Fayhsal said this was because Muhyiddin's move to resign is a sign of the Pagoh MP's magnanimity.

He said Muhyiddin had set aside personal interests and instead prioritised the nation and its people, aside from preventing further destruction.

"This is a leader who walks the talk, just like a candle that burns itself to light others," he said in a statement tonight, several hours after Istana Negara confirmed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had accepted the nomination of Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob as Muhyiddin's successor.

Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said he understood the sentiments of Bersatu members who were sad and upset with Muhyiddin's resignation.

"But why must we be sad when the president (Muhyiddin) himself was among the first to support Ismail as his successor!" said the former deputy youth and sports minister.

Further, he added, Bersatu members should be proud of Muhyiddin for being a "brilliant example of an esteemed Malay leader".

Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin

He said Muhyiddin had sacrificed to prevent Malay disunity, apart from protecting the lives and livelihoods of those affected by Covid-19.

"Just imagine if we defended our egos and partisan spirit, what would happen to the unity we have built with our friends that formed the Perikatan Nasional before this?" he asked.

He further said Bersatu had also made sacrifices in Johor, Malacca and Perak, but Muhyiddin had remained consistent to maintain political stability.

Following Muhyiddin's resignation and Ismail's rise as prime minister, analysts had predicted that Umno could be strengthening its ranks ahead of the 15th general election, while Bersatu might face difficulties to defend its seats in parliament or states.