Let's be president's men, says Peja amid factionalism in Bersatu

Outgoing Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu has acknowledged the existence of factionalism within the party as some members seem to be aligning themselves with certain leaders to protect their own political survival.

“I can see these movements (factionalism). It’s not like camps but some are trying to align themselves with certain leaders who possess certain clout.

“However, I must caution them against this. Let’s not get carried away by trying to be in Peja, Hamzah, Azmin, or any other leaders’ team.

“We want all party members to be part of the president’s team, not any other leaders,” he told Utusan Malaysia today.

Bersatu is scheduled to hold its party election next month. However, on July 13, Bersatu’s top brass agreed on its next top-five line-up, according to party president Muhyiddin Yassin, to ensure unity ahead of the party polls.

Based on his proposal, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is to become party deputy president, a post now held by Faizal (above).

In turn, Faizal will 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 Jidin and Ronald Kiandee - will also defend their posts in the upcoming party election.

As for Bersatu supreme council member Azmin Ali, Muhyiddin said the former will become party secretary-general.

However, on Oct 7, Free Malaysia Today quoted a party insider claiming that the party polls may see a proxy war between Hamzah and Azmin, who are trying to expand their sphere of influence within the party.

Stop apple-polishing

Without naming anyone in particular, Faizal reminded Bersatu members that a member’s struggle must be about how to endear the party to voters instead of becoming a particular leader’s apple polisher.

“Some in the party are positioning themselves in a way to create camps… attending every programme a particular leader is present in their attempt to become a loyal follower.

“This is not necessary. Be sincere about the party’s struggles and give ideas on how to rejuvenate the party so that you can be seen as a quality member,” the former youth and sports minister stressed.

‘No friction with Hamzah’

Touching on his ties with Hamzah, Faizal dismissed any notion that there was friction between them.

Faizal stressed that he enjoys a cordial relationship with Hamzah and speaks to him almost daily on party affairs.

“Hamzah and I meet almost daily as we need to hold meetings. Even if we don’t meet in person, we speak on the phone.

“In fact, I was the proposer for Hamzah’s candidacy for party deputy presidency, which was supported by Ronald.

“And Hamzah became the proposer for my candidacy for vice-presidency, supported by Ronald,” he added.

Factionalism is like 'cancer' to Bersatu's unity, says Azmin ally

Peja defends Azmin over PN's loss in Mahkota

PN, Bersatu will rise again after humbling Mahkota defeat: Muhyiddin

Azmin: PN's support level intact despite losing

Umno loyal friend to Harapan, unlike Bersatu, says Amanah