Muhyiddin's U-turn gives impression Bersatu very weak: Perak Amanah

The confusion over the Bersatu presidential issue that caused a sudden stir yesterday shows that the party is very weak, said Perak Amanah.

This comes after Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin recently announced that this would be his last term at the party’s helm but then rescinded his decision shortly after.

Perak Amanah communications head Azhar Rahman said Bersatu’s weakness became more apparent when Muhyiddin cited his wife in an attempt to justify his U-turn.

With such actions, he said Muhyiddin, Bersatu's senior leaders and the party as a whole have no credibility to lead the people.

"Muhyiddin decided not to defend the presidency yet changed his mind after being persuaded by his wife, showing that he is easily influenced.

"On the other hand, it suggests that what is happening is nothing more than a farce planned by Bersatu's senior leaders to attract the public's attention towards those who are increasingly rejected," Azhar (above) told Malaysiakini today.

Last Friday, Muhyiddin surprised delegates and observers at his party's annual general meeting when he announced that he did not want to defend the presidency in the upcoming Bersatu election.

However, the Pagoh MP later reversed the decision after taking into consideration a request from his wife, Noorainee Abdul Rahman, that he hold the presidency for at least one more term.

"My wife, who had been listening to debates by party delegates, texted me saying that I should stay for another term.

"She told me I should not disappoint them (party members). 'This is for the nation, Abah must go on'," Muhyiddin said.

No ‘back-up leader’

Azhar claimed that what Bersatu displayed during the AGM also showed that it was difficult for the party to free itself from Muhyiddin's “shadow”.

The Amanah Youth exco said Bersatu is aware that for it to maintain its influence, especially in Perikatan Nasional, Muhyiddin's position needs to be maintained.

"It at once signalled that the party lacked a competent back-up leader.

"They are also worried that without Muhyiddin, PAS will dominate PN and thus bring a different direction and agenda," he added.

'Abah must go on' - Muhyiddin to defend presidency

Bersatu delegates reject Muhyiddin's transition plan

Bersatu supreme council rejects Muhyiddin’s ‘no contest’ decision

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

Muhyiddin will not defend Bersatu presidency

LETTER | Muhyiddin’s defining decision