Radzi becomes new Malacca Bersatu chief amid wave of dissent

Bersatu vice-president Radzi Jidin has been appointed as the party’s Malacca chairperson amid a wave of dissent in the state that also saw Rahim Thamby Chik quitting the post.

In a statement today, Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali confirmed that party president Muhyiddin Yassin appointed the Putrajaya MP to oversee Bersatu matters in the state, especially in preparing for the upcoming Malacca state election.

“Radzi’s (above) main task is to reorganise the leadership structure of the Malacca Bersatu divisions among local leaders, including young people and professionals, within the near future.

“We are confident that this new leadership will be able to continue the people’s struggle and garner strength in the Malacca state election, which is expected at the end of this year,” said Azmin.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that Bersatu divisions in Malacca, namely Masjid Tanah, Hang Tuah Jaya, Tangga Batu, Alor Gajah, and Jasin, have been dissolved with immediate effect due to loss of confidence in the party's top leadership.

Rahim announced his resignation last night, citing a loss of confidence in Muhyiddin.

"We assert that this loss of confidence stems from the failure of Muhyiddin’s leadership, and the central leadership line in addressing the internal party crisis thoroughly and prudently, restoring the stability and credibility of the organisation, and formulating a clear and convincing political strategy," the former Malacca chief minister told reporters.

Mass exodus

Earlier last week, Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin also announced her resignation as the Masjid Tanah Bersatu division chief, which was subsequently followed by other senior leadership members.

The ongoing crisis in Bersatu follows the sacking of former deputy president Hamzah Zainudin and 16 others on Feb 13.

Others expelled include Bersatu supreme council member Zulkifli Bujang, lawmakers Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik), Azahari Hassan (Padang Rengas), Malacca opposition leader Dr Yadzil Yaakub, Sungai Manik assemblyperson Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, Sabah Bersatu secretary Yunus Nurdin, and Larut Bersatu division chief Hassundi Hamzah.

Since then, several Bersatu MPs and division leaders have voluntarily resigned from their leadership positions within the party, in support of Hamzah and citing disagreement with Muhyiddin’s struggle for power.

Muhyiddin is also bleeding support in Johor, with 11 divisions declaring themselves dissolved.

However, Azmin dismissed the dissolutions as “unconstitutional”, stating that division leaders could not unilaterally dissolve their party chapters.

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