Bersatu polls: Top posts negotiation to ensure party stays united - Muhyiddin

Bersatu's top leadership has gone into a negotiation exercise ahead of its party election this October, a move that Muhyiddin Yassin said he helped broker to ensure the party stays united.

Speaking at the Bersatu Convention at the Ideal Convention Centre in Selayang this morning, the party president urged all party members and grassroots leaders who wish to contest in the upcoming party polls to negotiate among themselves first.

According to Muhyiddin, the idea was mooted during a recent party retreat where he was asked to meet all Bersatu top leaders and initiate discussions on how to avoid clashes and prevent disunity in the election.

"They asked me to play a role in the negotiation. So, I have met with all and discussed with them. I have gotten the idea that whatever happens, we should avoid clashes among the top positions.

"However, I do not want to announce it now. But from what has been decided, I believe there is a spirit of muhibah (togetherness) among the top leadership.

"Some have expressed their willingness to make way for others to take the lead," he said.

Muhyiddin was delivering his launching speech at the special convention, held as a session to elaborate and instil Bersatu idealism and principles in party members.

The former prime minister said it is important for Bersatu to come out stronger and united after the party polls, especially if they want to win the next general election.

A united front would help boost the people's confidence to choose Bersatu to lead the government, he added.

Muhyiddin then called for all Bersatu members to support the leadership line-up that had been negotiated, which he believed would help them convince the rakyat.

"I think (this line-up) will give a good impression and insya-Allah the rakyat will support Bersatu.

"When the time comes for me to announce (the decision), I hope you will give me your 100 percent support," he said.

Avoid falling out

In his speech, Muhyiddin also stressed to party members to avoid falling out among themselves over positions.

He called for every Bersatu member to embrace whatever the outcome of the party polls and come back together to play a role in the party.

According to Muhyiddin, the negotiation exercise he brokered for Bersatu's top positions can also be emulated at the divisional and branch levels to promote unity.

"If you can negotiate, go for it. If you do not know how to negotiate, you can rope in the higher leadership to help.

"This is not a form of interference or an attempt to deny anyone's rights to contest, but just to make sure that these party polls will have a better outcome.

"This is important advice and I hope you will heed it," he said.

Bersatu will hold its party election between Oct 12 and Oct 26, where party members and delegates will choose their leaders at all levels.

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