Factional leadership slates to influence Bersatu’s upcoming election?
Reaching its eighth year since its establishment, the top leadership election of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has become a focal point for over 600,000 members and the entire nation.
(Sinar Daily) – Emerging from the remnants of Umno, Bersatu quickly positioned itself as a governing party, aligning with Pakatan Harapan 1.0 and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
It has now become the second dominant Malay party, alongside its coalition partner, Pas.
The upcoming party election has generated significant attention, particularly as it will determine the holders of several top positions.
Among the highly contested roles are Vice President, Armada Chief, and Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) member.
In an interesting development, Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who won uncontested, proposed a ‘compromise plan’ approved by the MPT, aimed at preventing internal party divisions.
This plan involves the Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, taking the position of Deputy President; Selangor Bersatu Leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, as Secretary General; and the current Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, also known as Peja, as Vice President.
However, some political observers remain skeptical about whether the compromise plan will resolve the two main factions—Hamzah’s and Azmin’s—competing for key leadership positions.
Some insiders have even speculated that Ahmad Faizal, who is currently not an elected representative, may become a ‘sacrificial victim’ in the fierce competition between Hamzah and Azmin.
It has been suggested that both factions have placed proxies in the Vice President race, led by incumbents Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
Fathul Huzir Ayob, a Bersatu MPT candidate, believes the leadership transition plan proposed by Muhyiddin is a way to appreciate Peja’s long-standing contributions to the party.
He also highlighted that Peja should be prioritised by delegates, given his close working relationship with Muhyiddin.
Incumbent Bersatu MPT member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan echoed these sentiments, stating that Muhyiddin’s leadership replacement plan ensures that the election process will not become too heated.
