Bersatu's unity formula: Hamzah as No 2, Azmin as sec-gen

Bersatu’s top brass have come to an agreement on its next top-five line-up, according to party president Muhyiddin Yassin, who today announced his “formula” to ensure unity ahead of the party polls.

According to his proposal, secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is set to move up to the deputy president position as Ahmad Faizal Azumu has agreed to take a step back.

Faizal will instead offer himself to fill one of the party’s three vice-president posts, which has been left vacant after incumbent Mohd Rafiq Naizamohidden quit Bersatu in 2022.

Two incumbent vice-presidents - Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Ronald Kiandee - will also defend their posts in the upcoming party election, he added.

Muhyiddin also said Bersatu supreme council member Azmin Ali will be offered the secretary-general position.

‘Temperature control’ move

Speaking at a press conference earlier this evening, Muhyiddin said the proposal was his formula to control the “temperature” during the party election which is set to start on Oct 12.

However, he stressed that it does not mean Bersatu is stopping its members from contesting the positions.

“I also do not have any issue against other party members offering themselves to contest the positions.

“But, at this juncture, we would try to negotiate as much as possible. I am not saying they can’t (contest)... If any of the party members still wish to go ahead, it is their right to do so.

“This is just a way to arrange things early so the campaign temperature will not be so heated,” he told the press conference held during a Bersatu special convention in Selayang, Selangor.

For the record, Muhyiddin will continue to hold the Bersatu president position for another term, on the virtue of a decision by the party’s general assembly last year where delegates unanimously decided the former prime minister must continue to lead Bersatu.

Earlier today, Muhyiddin in his launching speech at the convention said he has helped broker a negotiation among party top leaders to ensure the party stays united.

According to him, 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.

Muhyiddin also urged all party members and grassroots leaders who wish to contest in the upcoming party polls to negotiate among themselves first.

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