SHAH ALAM – Bersatu’s leadership is to discuss its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement to step down next year, saying the party needs him to survive.
Party deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu expressed his shock and called for Muhyiddin’s decision to be discussed further.
“To suddenly announce that you do not wish to offer yourself (for the presidency), it is a matter we can discuss,” Faizal said at a press conference after Muhyiddin’s announcement in his speech to open Bersatu’s sixth annual general meeting today.
“(Muhyiddin’s) leadership is crucial for the party’s survival,” Faizal added.
He said he was confident that Muhyiddin will consider party members’ opinions before making a final decision.
Earlier, Muhyiddin announced he would not be defending his post as president in party elections to be held next year.
The former prime minister said he was attending the ongoing Bersatu AGM for the last time as president.
Faizal dismissed questions about whether he would contest the presidency next year, but stressed that he would not stand against Muhyiddin, declaring the latter as “still my president” whom he would “protect with my life”.
At the press conference earlier, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin pointed out that Muhyiddin’s announcement was merely a suggestion, and is still subject to the leadership’s decision.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who heads the party’s youth wing, Armada, meanwhile said he will move a motion when he speaks at the assembly tomorrow for Muhyiddin to continue his presidency.
Muhyiddin’s announcement earlier was received with objections from AGM delegates who urged him to retract it.
However, it was observed that Faizal and other members of the top leadership did not stand up in protest alongside the delegates from the party’s state chapters.
When asked about this, Faizal said it was to allow the latter to voice out their opinions.
“I was in shock, but I also thought to give a chance to the grassroots to show their response to (Muhyiddin’s) statement.
“I could not look at the president earlier. I was very upset since we had founded the party together.”
Muhyiddin, who was the country’s eighth prime minister from March 2020 to August 2021, founded Bersatu in August 2016 together with his predecessor, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. – November 24, 2023