Even Muhyiddin misunderstood my intentions - Peja

INTERVIEW | Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu opined that his party president Muhyiddin Yassin may have misunderstood his intention in vacating the deputy presidency for Hamzah Zainudin.

“My position was clear. I was defeated in the general election and had no role in the Parliament or state legislative assemblies.

“So, I felt it was best for someone else to assume the deputy presidency. This has been my stand after the 15th general election,” he told Malaysiakini.

“Perhaps, it was the way I communicated the message but I told the president that even if he wanted to assign me to bookkeeping, I’ll do it,” Faizal (above) added.

On Nov 1, Muhyiddin said Faizal had offered to quit the party leadership when it was suggested that he make way for Hamzah in the Bersatu polls, adding the former Perak menteri besar initially did not understand his plan for the party.

The former prime minister said he chose Hamzah to be his next deputy because of the Larut MP’s position as the opposition chief in Parliament, as well as his experience as Bersatu’s secretary-general.

“This means that he (Hamzah) has the relevant experience to take over the deputy president position that is now being held by Datuk Peja (Faizal).

“It’s not for nothing, (but) Peja did not understand. After discussions, he said he was ready to ‘berundur’ (quit).

“But I said that was not necessary, (and suggested) that he just takes a step back where he can fill one of the vice-president posts, which is vacant,” Muhyiddin was reported as saying.

Not offended

Elaborating, Faizal said the miscommunication may have resulted in Muhyiddin thinking he may have felt offended.

“I was not offended. I’m the president’s (man) and a party loyalist… I can contribute regardless of the position held,” he stressed, adding that there is no point in having strong leaders without its members playing their roles effectively.

“And I hope party members get the message that we must sacrifice in championing our struggles.

“We must continue championing our race, religion and idealism…not holding on to positions without holding meetings and understanding the people’s plight.”

Asked about his contributions when holding the Bersatu deputy presidency, Faizal said he had fulfilled his responsibilities well.

“Some may think I didn’t do much but I did the best I could. That’s enough for me and now I want to do my best as Bersatu vice-president.

“My priority is the party struggle and making sure the country is being run well.

“So, I think Muhyiddin has now understood what I meant to say earlier,” the former minister added.

Touching on his successor, Faizal said: “Alhamdulillah, I’m glad to have relinquished my post to him.

“As the opposition leader, I believe he could do justice to the party post given that I have no role in the Dewan Rakyat.”

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