'Muhyiddin upset some leaders ignoring compromise plan'

A Bersatu leader claimed that party president Muhyiddin Yassin is “deeply upset and disappointed” that several members of the supreme council are attempting to undermine the compromise plan agreed upon earlier.

Without naming anyone, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal questioned why they were doing so despite agreeing to the plan, calling it irresponsible.

“It might still be acceptable for those outside the leadership to vie for vice-presidential positions.

“But, those within the supreme council, who initially agreed to support the president’s mandate, should not be contesting.

“This behaviour is irresponsible as the decision was made together,” Free Malaysia Today reported him as saying today.

Party polls

Bersatu is scheduled to hold its party election next month. However, on July 13, Bersatu’s top brass came up with an agreement on its next top-five line-up to ensure unity ahead of the party polls.

Based on the proposal, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is to become party deputy president, a post held by Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

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.

After nominations were finalised last week, both Muhyiddin and Hamzah won uncontested.

However, six candidates were named to contest the three vice-president’s posts – Ronald, Radzi, Faizal, Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Selangor Bersatu deputy chairperson Rafiq Abdullah and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.

Earlier today, Utusan Malaysia reported Faizal as acknowledging the existence of factionalism within the party as some members seem to be aligning themselves with certain leaders to protect their own political survival.

Still time to withdraw

Wan Fayhsal (above) said the situation had put Muhyiddin in a difficult position, reflecting poorly on Bersatu and the former prime minister’s image.

The Machang MP then said that the supreme council members vying for vice-president’s posts still can withdraw their candidacy before the party elections on Nov 2 to demonstrate their commitment to Muhyiddin’s plan.

Citing young leaders in the party as an example, Wan Fayhsal said Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and himself had initially planned to contest for the vice-presidents’ posts.

However, they backed out following Muhyiddin’s directive.

Having said that, Wan Fayhsal insisted that the democratic process surrounding the party elections persists despite Muhyiddin’s plan.

“Competition still exists, although it is more organised and guided by the advice and direction provided by the president,” he added.

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