Bersatu leaders rally for 'Abah' after AGM ruckus, call for united 'family'

Bersatu wing leaders have made emotional pleas for all members to unite and reflect on their roles as “children” of party president Muhyiddin Yassin, affectionately referred to as “Abah”, which is Malay for father.

The leaders’ winding-up speeches at the party’s 8th annual general assembly, held in Shah Alam, followed delegates’ debates of Muhyiddin’s policy speech last night, during which a commotion occurred, sparked by a small group of members who were unhappy with the party president.

Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham called on party members to take responsibility in restoring Muhyiddin’s reputation, which he said the antics of the few had tarnished.

“In this big family, there is a leader we call Abah. Friends, do you understand Abah? That’s just his nature - calm, unpredictable. Since joining Bersatu, I’ve been trying to get to know him.

“Previously, if I wanted to gauge Muhyiddin’s mood, I would look at our ‘bonda’ (mother) Norainee. If she was smiling, that meant it was safe. But if she looked sour, I’d turn back immediately,” he said.

The Gombak Setia assemblyperson also revealed that Muhyiddin had expressed his disappointment in a message to the party’s supreme council WhatsApp group.

“He wrote, ‘very embarrassing, can’t sleep’,” said Hilman.

Last night, a commotion broke out when Muhyiddin sought to address an alleged attempt to collect signatures in a bid to unseat him.

Muhyiddin’s remarks during his policy speech prompted denials and cries of “Turun Tan Sri!” (Step down, Muhyiddin), countered with louder shouts of “Hidup Tan Sri!” (Live Muhyiddin).

‘Abah not the same as Papa’

Comparing Muhyiddin’s leadership style with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Hilman insisted that “Abah” was different.

“Abah is not ‘Papa’. If it’s Papa, he gives, but Abah doesn’t. That’s why, respect him,” he said, drawing cheers from the audience.

Hilman reminded members that the responsibility now lies with them to repair the damage caused by the public spat.

“We have a responsibility because last night we embarrassed Abah. As his children, it is our duty to restore his good name,” he said.

He noted that the media had widely reported the ruckus and urged members to also highlight displays of unity among them.

Hilman’s speech followed Bersatu Young Women chief Nurul Ezzati Azmi, who led delegates gathered at the Ideal Convention Centre, as well as leaders on the main stage, to hold hands and chant “Hidup Tan Sri!”.

Learn from mistakes

Bersatu Women chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin also reflected on the incident, which she described as highly disappointing.

“I felt disappointed… I immediately left the stage. I was upset. I went down (from the stage), I walked out, I bought coffee… I chatted, and then I went home.

“Let yesterday’s incident be history and a lesson,” she stressed.

The Masjid Tanah MP added that upon reaching home, in an emotional state, she penned a poem at 1.34am which she then recited today.

Earlier today, Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said his wing had lodged an internal disciplinary report and a police report regarding the incident.

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