Bersatu delegates reject Muhyiddin's resignation as president

Over 1,000 delegates at Bersatu's 5th annual general assembly (AGM) today unanimously passed a motion to reject party president Muhyiddin Yassin's resignation amid ongoing corruption charges.

Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu tabled the motion brought by the party's supreme council, as decided at its meeting last night.

"This is the time for us to be in solidarity against tyranny," said Faizal.

Delegates gathered at Menara PGRM, Kuala Lumpur, stood up and cheered in support of Muhyiddin - who sat centre stage alongside other party leaders.

Faizal and Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, who delivered a speech in support of the motion, decried what they described as ongoing "political persecution" and an outright attack from an "unholy alliance" between Pakatan Harapan and BN.

According to Faizal, the party would not have existed if not for Muhyiddin and the Pagoh MP's contributions to Bersatu can never be questioned.

"He had gone through many ups and downs, struggles and challenges. He was sacked (from Umno), and was even pushed to give up his position. And today, he is being wrongfully accused (of crimes).

"Abah has always stood with us. So now is the time for all of us to give him our support," Faizal added.

‘Abah needs us’

The motion was proposed by Faizal to party delegates who have converged at Menara PGRM in Kuala Lumpur.

Muhyiddin, who is currently facing six criminal charges in court, was present on stage together with other Bersatu leaders when Faizal mooted the motion.

Meanwhile, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, who seconded the motion, also criticised what he branded as "political persecution" by the government against the opposition party.

"Do not let this party's sincere and holy struggle get buried by this (action against Muhyiddin). We will never let our enemy bring down Tan Sri (Muhyiddin), we want Tan Sri to continue serving as our president.

"For the sake of this struggle and the rakyat, please stay strong Tan Sri. Because this is what every fighter, every pendekar (warrior) has to face," Hamzah said.

After all party delegates present showed their undivided support to the motion by standing up, Bersatu permanent chairperson Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah then announced that it was accepted as a resolution.

Muhyiddin in his speech at the meeting later said he accepted the decision and will continue his duty as Bersatu president.

Yesterday, the Bersatu supreme council reportedly made a unanimous decision to reject Muhyiddin's resignation from the party post.

According to Hamzah, who announced the council's decision, the charges against Muhyiddin were made in his capacity as the party president and not personal.

On Friday, Muhyiddin had claimed trial to four counts of abuse of power and two money laundering charges involving RM232.5 million.

He faces 20 years in jail and a fine five times the amount of gratification involved or RM10,000, whichever is higher, for the abuse of power charges.

For the money laundering case, he may be sentenced to imprisonment of 15 years and fined five times the amount involved or RM5 million, whichever is higher.

After being charged in court, Muhyiddin told reporters that he would leave it to the Bersatu supreme council to decide if he should continue as party president.

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