Muhyiddin expected to retain Bersatu presidency despite problems, say analysts

Mazlan Ali says there does not appear to be any likely successor for now, while Azmi Hassan notes that many view Muhyiddin Yassin’s sedition charge as being politically motivated.

(FMT) – Political analysts believe that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin’s sedition charge and the party’s embarrassing defeat in the Nenggiri by-election will not alter the party’s plans at its elections next month.

Under the plan which Muhyiddin mooted in July, he will stay on as the Bersatu president while incumbent deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu will step down and make way for Hamzah Zainudin, the Bersatu secretary-general, to assume his post.

Muhyiddin also proposed that Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali be offered the secretary-general’s position.

Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said Muhyiddin will continue to be given the mandate to lead Bersatu as there does not appear to be any other leader capable of replacing him at the top of the party.

“Muhyiddin still holds significant influence, and that (sedition charge) will not prevent him from remaining as president unless the court finds him guilty,” he told FMT.

“Moreover, he has faced several court cases before and it hasn’t stopped him.”

He said that maintaining Muhyiddin’s leadership is also crucial to avoid major turmoil within the party, given the presence of many emerging leaders, each with their own influence.

Last month, Muhyiddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional chairman, was charged with sedition for questioning why he was not appointed the prime minister by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, after the last general election.

He has also faced criticism for Bersatu’s strategy under his leadership, especially following the party’s defeat in the Nenggiri by-election, a seat Bersatu won from Umno during the Kelantan state election last August.

Despite Muhyiddin’s troubles, National Professors Council fellow Azmi Hassan said he does not see any sign that the long-time Pagoh MP and former prime minister will step down as Bersatu president.

Azmi noted that many Bersatu leaders and members still view the sedition charge as being politically motivated.

“Thus, these issues will not change Bersatu’s strategy of keeping Muhyiddin as president and Hamzah as deputy president,” he said.