Bersatu chairperson's post abolished

The Bersatu chairperson's post - the most powerful in the party - has been abolished.

Party information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan said this was one of several amendments to the Bersatu constitution which received unanimous support at the party's annual general meeting today.

With the chairperson's post abolished, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin now formally has full control over the party.

The Bersatu chair position was created when the party was formed to allow Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be in charge while also accommodating Muhyiddin as a top leader via the party's presidency.

Mahathir resigned from the position in February after Muhyiddin took Bersatu out of Pakatan Harapan.

The resignation was initially rejected and Muhyiddin became acting chairperson in an effort to stymie Mahathir's control of the party.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Wan Saiful said the party also abolished its presidential council and also formed a new "Affiliates Wing" for non-bumiputera members.

One of the party's notable non-bumiputera members is federal territories deputy minister Santhara Nair, who is an ally of Azmin Ali.

The party has also made membership registration and renewal easier by abolishing its yearly membership. All Bersatu members will now be lifetime members with just one payment.

"Actually, before the AGM, the party's constitutional amendment committee had held engagement sessions and briefings across the country with state and division leaders.

"We took into account all views and improved on the original proposals.

"Thank god this resulted in a unanimous decision to accept all the proposed amendments including abolishing the post of chairperson," Wan Saiful said. - Mkini