THE best solution to end the ongoing turmoil within Bersatu is for party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down and hand over the reins to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, said political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.
Azmi added that while Muhyiddin could attempt to tighten his grip by removing leaders aligned with Hamzah, such a drastic move would only worsen internal divisions and further destabilise the party.
“Prior to Bersatu’s AGM, all internal conflicts were handled behind the scenes. But when Muhyiddin revealed that there was a move to topple him — coupled with the sacking of several leaders and the suspension of the Machang MP — all hell broke loose.”
“Now, 16 Bersatu MPs are urging Muhyiddin to reconsider his position. In this situation, if he wishes to remain as president, he will have to sack all 16 MPs — but doing so would cost Bersatu 16 parliamentary seats and further weaken the party’s position,” he said.
“In reality, the only viable solution is for Muhyiddin to step down gracefully. He could be appointed as the party’s advisor and replaced by Hamzah. This would help end the ongoing conflict.”
“If the Pagoh MP insists on staying, the crisis will only drag on. There are very few options left for Muhyiddin other than stepping down,” he added.
A Bersatu Supreme Council member has hinted that more than 19 of the party’s 25 MPs are against the disciplinary action taken against three MPs, including deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
Supreme Council member Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this was evident from a letter signed by 16 Bersatu MPs protesting the decision to expel Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, suspend Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, and summon Hamzah before the party’s disciplinary board.
Saifuddin revealed that he had deliberately refrained from seeking the signatures of the party’s two vice-presidents, Datuk Radzi Jidin and Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, suggesting that the actual number of dissenting MPs could be higher.
“We don’t disagree with the Disciplinary Board itself, but with the way the actions were taken. The 16 signatories include the three affected MPs — Hamzah, Wan Saiful, and Wan Fayhsal — making it 19 in total.”
“We intentionally did not approach the two vice-presidents. So, what does that mean? It means that out of 25 MPs, at least 19 disagree with what’s happening,” said Saifuddin at an event in Ampang today.
Yesterday, a letter addressed to Muhyiddin went viral, expressing concern over the disciplinary action taken against the three Bersatu MPs.
The 16 MPs who signed the letter were Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota); Khlir Mohd Nordin (Ketereh); Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (Mersing); Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik); Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Kubang Pasu); Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah); Abdul Khalib Abdullah (Rompin); Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut); and Zakri Hassan (Kangar).
Others included Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu); Muslimin Yahaya (Sungai Besar); Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah); Roslan Hashim (Kulim Bandar Baharu); Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas); Kalam Salan (Sabak Bernam); and Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (Merbok).
According to the letter, the decision to expel Wan Saiful and suspend Wan Ahmad Fayhsal was unwise, as it disrupted grassroots momentum and could jeopardise Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) efforts to secure victory in the upcoming Sabah state election.
Saifuddin was also asked about the possibility of disciplinary action against him for urging Muhyiddin to step down.
He maintained that his call for Muhyiddin’s resignation did not violate party rules.
He also noted that Muhyiddin himself had once urged former Umno president Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to step down during his time in Umno.
“This is a risk I have to face, and I’m ready. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done nothing wrong — asking the president to resign does not violate Bersatu’s constitution.
“In Malaysia’s Constitution, freedom of expression is guaranteed, and Muhyiddin himself once called for Pak Lah to step down. So, what’s the problem?” he told reporters.
A peace deal is needed
Meanwhile, Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi urged Muhyiddin to come up with a peace plan between his camp and Hamzah’s.
The observer said the peace plan should be made internally to discuss party’s direction including succession between the two leaders.
“As president he has the mechanism, he controls party structure even though he is in the minority. But there are consequences, if he wishes to stay in power he might be ousted and that will also cause Bersatu to collapse.”
“Or he can call for a meeting and settle this matter amicably. Such as a timeframe to step down and pass over the seat to Hamzah before the GE. Or he could name Hamzah as the next prime minister in exchange for support until the GE.”
“These are options he could come up with. How long will he survive, it depends on how he calculates his next move,” said the academic. – November 3, 2025
