Johor Bersatu leader moots return of chairperson post

BERSATU AGM | Johor Bersatu today suggested the party reinstate the position of party chairperson, once held by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its founder until his exit three years ago.

Johor Bersatu information chief Muhammad Islahuddin Abas said party president Muhyiddin Yassin can then step up to fill the chairperson's post if the latter proceeded with the intention to not defend his position next year.

"We from Johor Bersatu still hold the view that Muhyiddin must remain to steer the party as its president in the party election (next year).

"But with a heavy heart, we suggest that if he still does not want to hold the president's post in the party election, we propose to reinstate the position of Bersatu chairperson," the Mersing MP told reporters on the sidelines of delegates' presidential address debates.

Islahuddin (above) said this in response to Muhyiddin's announcement earlier today that he will not be defending the president's post in the Bersatu election next year.

"This time the position must be constitutionally created," added Islahuddin, who noted that the previous Bersatu chairperson's position was not provided for under the party constitution, and so it had remained vacant to date.

Mahathir resigned as Bersatu chairperson in February 2020, shortly after Muhyiddin announced that Bersatu quit Pakatan Harapan.

In August of the same year, Bersatu supreme council member Redzuan Yusof reportedly said the party would do away with the position that created an internal conflict.

'Bersatu accepts Muhyiddin won't defend president post next year'

Will govt uphold syariah law with two-thirds majority, Muhyiddin asks

Muhyiddin will not defend Bersatu presidency

Bersatu info chief claims trial to sedition charge

Delegates call for resignation of Bersatu Alliance wing chief

'Not just Hamzah': Faizal says Bersatu has many potential successors