PERSISTENT and coordinated pressure from within and outside Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) appears aimed at forcing the party’s President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down in what political observers have dubbed the “Muhyiddin Exit”.
Muhyiddin’s former Political Secretary Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad claimed that certain party members, whose constitutional duty is to support the president, have instead employed “dirty hands” in daily attacks against him.
“At the same time, attacks are being launched from within the ranks of allied parties,” he said. “Many are waiting to applaud the success of the ‘Muhyiddin Exit’ outcome.”
Marzuki also suggested that the party’s coalition partner, PAS, views Muhyiddin’s resignation as a resolution to the ongoing tensions within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“For PAS, the PN problem will be solved once Muhyiddin steps down. PAS can then appoint its preferred candidate as PN Chairman. There is no need to amend the PN constitution. The proposals to establish a Presidential Council and Executive Council are merely designed to curb Muhyiddin’s power as PN Chairman, not to strengthen the coalition.
“Once he resigns, both councils become academic and useless,” he said via Facebook on Saturday.
Highlighting internal power dynamics, Marzuki warned that Muhyiddin’s departure could elevate his deputy, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, to the presidency of Bersatu, although Hamzah reportedly has no ambitions to contest the prime ministership.
“As President of Bersatu, Hamzah holds significant value in the eyes of UMNO.
“In line with UMNO President’s call for returning members to reunite the Malay bloc, Hamzah could dissolve Bersatu and integrate its members into UMNO.
“Ultimately, UMNO would consolidate its party and continue alliances with Pakatan Harapan, GPS, and GRS to form a government after the 16th general election. Bersatu would be buried, and PAS would face heavy losses,” he said.
Meanwhile, concerns over leadership transparency and trust have emerged from within Bersatu.
Ahmad Ishak, Gopeng Division Chief, raised questions about Muhyiddin’s sincerity in negotiations with PN partners, particularly PAS.
He alleged that a statement issued by Muhyiddin regarding the purported abolition of the PN Chairman post was misleading.
“Based on official meetings between Bersatu and PAS on 16 January, the abolition of the PN Chairmanship was never discussed, let alone agreed upon.
“This statement contradicts actual discussions, misleads members and supporters, and can be interpreted as a form of deception against political allies,” he said.
Ahmad stressed that relationships within PN must be built on honesty, transparency, and mutual respect.
“Any strategic decisions involving PN’s structure and leadership must be made through formal discussions and collective agreement of all component parties.
Unilateral actions and statements that contradict actual discussions will only weaken trust, damage unity, and undermine the coalition’s stability.
“I urge PN leadership to take this matter seriously and provide open clarification to safeguard the integrity and future of PN as a coalition trusted by the people,” he said. - January 31, 2026
