Succession plan causing disunity in Bersatu

KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as prime minister and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as his deputy?

This was the straw that broke the camel’s back and further deepened the division within Bersatu at the embattled party’s supreme council meeting this morning.

With Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin telling his colleagues that he is going to offer his resignation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong tomorrow, the discussion switched to, who will be his successor? 

To offer the top job to Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri – the present deputy prime minister and defence minister – will mean a defeat for Bersatu.

This, despite Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah retaining the powerful home affairs portfolio.

Earlier, it was discussed that Ismail Sabri will be made to agree to keep the deputy prime minister’s post for Bersatu, and offer the party certain key ministerial positions.

But, it is understood that most members are opposed to an Umno 1-2 with Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein being named deputy prime minister.

However, with Bersatu losing its bargaining chips and influence, it is anyone’s guess how the party will survive beyond Muhyiddin’s resignation.

Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof earlier expressed to the media his frustration with some of his colleagues.

“Certain irresponsible quarters are putting their personal needs ahead of the nation’s well-being.”

“They were opposed to Ismail (Sabri), with some still telling the prime minister to fight on as no one coalition or leader can claim a clear majority,” said an insider.

Muhyiddin is expected to meet the king at 9am tomorrow to offer not only his resignation, but also other options: dissolving Parliament after the country attains 70% herd immunity by October, and forming a minority government even if it means having to work with his former comrades in Pakatan Harapan again. 

His olive branch on Friday, when he proposed institutional reforms that were in the PH manifesto, is a clear indication that he is willing to strike a deal with the opposition bench that includes PKR and DAP – parties viewed with disdain by Umno and PAS.

“Their (Bersatu members’) concern is that once Muhyiddin resigns, it will open the door to other parties to take charge and dictate. Bersatu will not be a significant player any more despite having 31 seats in Parliament,” said another source.

“The cabinet will be reshuffled, and everyone will lose their positions.” – The Vibes, August 15, 2021