Johor: Fourteen Bersatu division chiefs from Johor have reportedly declared a loss of confidence in party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin following the top leadership's failure to effectively manage the party's internal crisis, as well as alleged abuse of disciplinary procedures against senior leaders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tanjung Piai Bersatu division chief Musa Khamis said the party's Disciplinary Board action against deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, as well as several division chiefs and lawmakers who support him, was seen as more aimed at protecting the president's position rather than safeguarding the party's interests. He stated that the disciplinary action appears to be a tool for maintaining the president's hold on power rather than strengthening the party or resolving differences democratically.
Musa Khamis added that these developments have tarnished Bersatu's public image, raised serious concerns among grassroots members, and could potentially strain Bersatu's strategic relationships with its coalition partners in Perikatan Nasional.
Meanwhile, in Kota Kinabalu, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who is also Sabah Bersatu chairman, suggested that the time has come for Muhyiddin to consider stepping down as party president. He emphasized that Muhyiddin should take responsibility for the party's worsening internal crisis, which has not been managed effectively.
Kiandee pointed out that the recent actions of the party's Disciplinary Board in bringing charges against Hamzah and lawmakers supporting him are indicative of a regressive move. He described these actions as a desperate abuse of disciplinary procedures to silence senior leadership voices, causing Bersatu to appear directionless and straying from its original struggle in the public's eyes.
He further alleged that Muhyiddin is perceived to be using all available means to defend his position, pursuing a personal agenda to return as prime minister, and blocking Hamzah's path to lead the party in the future.