'No one owns a post' - Faizal confirms not in Bersatu No 2 race

Outgoing Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu has confirmed he will take “a step back” for party secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin to assume the number two post uncontested.

When contacted, Faizal, who is set to downgrade and contest for one of three Bersatu vice-president posts, said his focus is strengthening the party over personal ambition.

“For any position, it is not ‘owned’ by any one person. The party is also not owned by an individual,” said the former Perak menteri besar to Malaysiakini.

He also noted that the suggestion for him to step down and make way for Hamzah was mooted by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, and collectively agreed to by the party’s top leadership.

“During a musyawarah (meeting) with party president Muhyiddin, we unanimously agreed to his suggestion, ensuring our party is stronger and better prepared to face upcoming challenges.

“As a result, we agreed for our secretary-general, Hamzah Zainudin, to assume the role of deputy president, while I will take a step back and become vice-president,” said Faizal, who is also a former youth and sports minister.

Muhyiddin first announced Bersatu’s succession plans in July, ahead of party polls due next month.

Since then, Faizal noted there were requests from Bersatu members for him to defend his position, but he insisted the decision was made in the party’s best interest.

“Of course, some of my long-time supporters who have been with me since the party’s inception believe I should have remained deputy president.

“However, this decision was made collectively, alongside Muhyiddin and our grassroots leadership. We accepted it unanimously, driven by our love for the party,” said Faizal who has held the number two position since 2020.

Bersatu’s party polls kicked off yesterday with nationwide nominations across all levels.

Nominations for the division and central levels - covering supreme council positions and leadership roles in the party’s four wings: Srikandi, Armada, Srikandi Muda, and Bersekutu Pusat - is being conducted today.

Nominations ongoing

Commenting further, Faizal revealed that he endorsed Hamzah’s nomination form earlier today, and Hamzah returned the favour.

“Another Bersatu vice-president, Ronald Kiandee, supports both nominations.

“I also expect no disruptions regarding the nominations for both president and deputy president,” he added.

When asked why he did not contest Hamzah’s former position as secretary-general, Faizal stated that the decision rested with Muhyiddin.

“In the meeting, it was decided that I should hold the vice-president position, a senior role with responsibilities similar to the deputy president. I accepted it wholeheartedly - there are no hard feelings,” he said.

Rather than naming Faizal as Hamzah’s replacement, Muhyiddin previously said the secretary-general position should go to Bersatu supreme council member Azmin Ali.

There are currently two incumbent Bersatu vice-presidents - Ronald Kiandee and Mohd Radzi Jidin - both slated to defend their positions.

The third position to be contested by Faizal has been left vacant since the resignation of Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen in 2022, who has since re-joined Umno.

Faizal today affirmed that he would respect the democratic process, even if he lost in the upcoming election.

“I’ve heard more than three challengers may be running against me. (But if I lose) no problem - we celebrate differences,” he said.

Candidacies announced

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that other Bersatu leaders who submitted their nomination forms at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, included Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz and current Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, both reportedly eyeing a spot in the party’s supreme council.

At the Youth level, current permanent chairperson Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir announced his candidacy for the wing’s top post, partnering with current assistant secretary Muhammad Faiz Rahmad.

Gombak Setia assemblyperson Hilman Idham, in a separate press conference, also announced his candidacy for the Bersatu Youth chief post.

The party’s division-level meeting is scheduled to be held from Oct 12 to 26.

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