Muhyiddin took Johor chief role to strengthen Bersatu - Faizal Azumu

Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin took up the position of Bersatu Johor chief to further strengthen the state party chapter, said party deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

Faizal (above), who is Perak menteri besar, was speaking to reporters today where he was asked why Muhyiddin, who is also prime minister, became the chairperson for Johor Bersatu.

"Our view is that the grassroots members and division leaders in Johor are surely proud that a Johorean (Muhyiddin) has come to lead the federal government, and is also the president of the party.

"And we find that by placing him as the Johor Bersatu chief would surely further strengthen Bersatu. That is the objective," he said when met after attending the party's fourth-anniversary celebration held in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday evening.

He also denied that the move was made because the party's top leadership sees the Johor chapter as in trouble.

Earlier today, Bersatu released a list of new party appointments, including to its supreme council, state chiefs, and their deputies.

The list saw Muhyiddin appointing Faizal as the chief for Bersatu's Perak and Pahang chapters, and himself as the Johor chief.

Previously, Bersatu Johor was led by Mazlan Bujang.

When asked if there were no other Bersatu members who were fit to take up the job in Pahang, Faizal said that in his case, the appointment would be temporary.

"I think there are other roles that I need to do in Pahang. And I am of the view that since the situation in Perak has become stable, then I can play my role in other states.

"The president has given me the responsibility to be the Pahang Bersatu chief temporarily until he can find another person to continue the duty," he said.

The Perikatan Nasional state government in Johor is in choppy waters as it only holds a one-seat majority in the state legislative assembly, with 29 representatives against Pakatan Harapan's 27.

Sources had previously told Malaysiakini that a revolt was brewing in Johor Bersatu, which has 12 state assemblypersons.

The state government's stability was further questioned when former Johor menteri besar Osman Sapian (above, second from right), who is also the Kempas state assemblyperson, was recently spotted at events organised by the Pejuang party.

For the record, Pejuang is a new party that is being set up by former Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

'Get ready for election as if it is tomorrow'

Meanwhile, during the event, Muhyiddin (above) in his speech told Bersatu members to get ready for the election.

While he does not say when the next general election can be expected, the premier said that Bersatu should be prepared "as if it is going to be called tomorrow".

"Do not ask me when the election is going to be called. What is important and needed is for us to work hard as if the election is going to be called tomorrow.

"As if it is going to be called tomorrow. Understand clearly what I say," he emphasised.

Muhyiddin also reminded party members to work closely and trust each other to further strengthen the party.

He also touched on the PN government, saying that it is important for the parties involved in supporting the administration to form a solid understanding with each other.

"This is why we need to be united and discuss in a civil manner. There should not be any feelings of jealousy.

"(We need to) bond to form a more solid understanding.

"To me, this is far more important to determine a better secured future. And above that, when election comes, the people would give their mandate and support for PN to form a government in the future," he said. - Mkini