No change of Bersatu leadership before party polls, say sources

 

Some top Bersatu leaders are agreeable to Hamzah Zainudin taking over the reins from party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

PETALING JAYA: There will not be any change in Bersatu’s leadership ahead of party polls next year, say sources in the know, despite recent speculation about the party.

Two Bersatu leaders who spoke to FMT said no immediate changes were on the cards just yet, but both agreed that Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin is the favourite to take over from party president Muhyiddin Yassin, who may not seek to defend his post.

FMT has sought comment from Muhyiddin’s office.

Any change of leadership was most likely to happen at the party elections next year, said the source, who asked to remain anonymous. “As a political party, it is good to always change leaders,” he said.

Another source said there were no signs of a tussle for the presidency if Hamzah decides to contest the post. “From what we see, party members now are okay with Hamzah stepping up as president.”

The source also said some top party leaders are also agreeable with Hamzah taking over from Muhyiddin, should he decide to step down as president. “Muhiyiddin has given his best and done a lot for the party.”

Muhyiddin has led Bersatu since 2020, following Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation as the party’s chairman in the wake of the Sheraton Move, which led to Muhyiddin becoming prime minister for 22 months.

In May, Muhyiddin said the Bersatu Supreme Council decided to postpone the party elections in view of the six state assembly elections in August, and also to resolve other “more important” administrative issues in the party first.

He added that the party polls would not be postponed to the maximum of 18 months if the issues were resolved earlier. - FMT