Muhyiddin ‘formula’ shows Bersatu’s lack of succession plan, says analyst

“There is of course the appearance of a united front, but going forward, Bersatu’s leadership seems to be rotating among the (same leaders) with little to no succession plan”

(FMT) – Syaza Shukri says Muhyiddin Yassin’s proposal will portray a united front to gain voter’s confidence but also shows that Bersatu’s leadership is ‘self-rotating’.

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s latest “formula” for its secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin to contest for the deputy president’s post seems to suggest that the party lacks a succession plan, says a political analyst.

Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said that while Muhyiddin’s suggestion will portray a united front to gain voter confidence, it also shows that Bersatu’s leadership is “self-rotating”.

“There is of course the appearance of a united front, but going forward, Bersatu’s leadership seems to be rotating among the (same leaders) with little to no succession plan,” she told FMT.

“There are no new ideas coming into the party, and Bersatu appears stagnant at the moment.”

Last Saturday, Muhyiddin said that Bersatu’s incumbent deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu would step down and make way for Hamzah, its secretary-general and opposition leader in Parliament.

He said Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali will then be offered the secretary-general position given his ability and political experience.

Muhyiddin said that this was decided after several internal discussions within the party. Bersatu is expected to have its party elections in October.

However, Bersatu’s vice-president Ronald Kiandee clarified the following day that Muhyiddin’s proposal was “merely a suggestion” and no motions have been submitted to keep any positions in the party uncontested.

Syaza said that such “internal negotiation”, common among Malaysian political parties, would prevent the party and the country’s political scene from undergoing regeneration and growth.

“It is unfortunately very common for parties to negotiate positions instead of engaging in straight fights at party polls. The party election is just a few months away, but why can’t these positions be decided democratically?” she said.

“In the larger context, Malaysia will still be stuck with the same politicians in the foreseeable future.”

Independent political analyst Adib Zalkapli said Muhyiddin’s proposal amounted to Bersatu’s attempt at presenting a leadership lineup that can be seen by voters as a credible alternative to the current government.

“I think Hamzah must hold a more prominent leadership in the party. Azmin is the Selangor opposition leader, so naturally, he has to be given a higher position for Bersatu to challenge the government,” Adib told FMT.

Adib added that Muhyiddin’s suggestion will also strengthen Bersatu’s position within Perikatan Nasional.

“Internally, Bersatu needs to be seen within PN as more credible than PAS to ensure that the prime minister and senior minister candidates will come from Bersatu,” he added.

Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist from Sunway University, said that Muhyiddin’s proposal will curb competition between Hamzah and Azmin, who he viewed as some of the most prominent and ambitious leaders in Bersatu.

Wong also said the proposal will secure Muhyiddin’s position within Bersatu as it ruled out their potential challenge against Muhyiddin’s presidential post.

“Such a deal can preserve a united image for the party,” he told FMT.