Bersatu polls: Dr M unopposed, while Mukhriz takes on Muhyiddin

Mukhriz Mahathir will take on incumbent Muhyiddin Yassin for the post of president in the Bersatu polls next month.

Muhyiddin, who is also the prime minister, will be challenged by Mukhriz, who is the current party deputy president, and Mohd Faiz Azlee Sham (Cheras Bersatu chief).

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, meanwhile, remains unopposed for the chairpersonship, according to Bersatu election committee chairperson Syed Hamid Albar.

When questioned if this meant Mahathir won the post uncontested, Syed Hamid said he did not have the authority to make such an announcement.

"On winning without contesting, I cannot declare. Wait for the divisional meeting date that has been set.

"His (Mahathir's) nomination we accepted, (there were) no other candidates," he added.

This comes after it was reported that Muhyiddin would not be challenging Mahathir to the chairperson post after all.

Many had expected a showdown between Mukhriz and Muhyiddin after the latter had gone against Mahathir to form a new government in cooperation with Umno and PAS. 

On Feb 29, Muhyiddin had declared himself as the acting Bersatu chairperson in a bid to wrest control of the party.

Up to 15 candidates, including Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, Ronald Kiandee and Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof will be contesting for the vice-president post.

As for the post of Youth chief, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has announced he will take on incumbent and former minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Syed Hamid said divisional sessions, which were initially slated to be held simultaneously across the country on April 18 to select the Supreme Leadership Council members, will be postponed.

This is to comply with the Registrar of Societies ban on annual general assemblies and related gatherings in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak.

A new date for the divisional meetings has yet to be set. Syed Hamid added that candidates were allowed to withdraw prior to the date being scheduled.

The Bersatu AGM, which was also scheduled to be held from June 15 to 28, is also postponed. - Mkini