ELEVEN divisions of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Johor have announced their dissolution amid escalating internal turmoil within the party, marking a significant blow to its organisational structure in the state ahead of looming electoral challenges.
The affected divisions are Mersing, Pontian, Johor Bahru, Labis, Simpang Renggam, Sembrong, Pengerang, Tanjung Piai, Ledang, Pulai and Sri Gading.
Datuk Isa Ab Hamid, Chief of the Pontian division, speaking on behalf of the other divisional heads, said the collective decision was prompted by what they described as the party leadership’s failure to provide a clear response to a memorandum submitted on 27 January.
According to Isa, the party’s internal crisis has intensified following the dismissal of Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and the subsequent mass expulsion of Members of Parliament and State Assembly members.
“This situation shows that the party’s direction appears to have gone astray and the trust of voters who previously supported Bersatu is seen to be diminishing.
“The inability of Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Johor Bersatu Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal to unite divisional leaders has caused us to lose confidence in remaining with the party, especially in facing the Johor State Election,” he said.
Isa made the remarks during a press conference in Simpang Renggam on Thursday, held in conjunction with the resignation of divisional chiefs and approximately 100 members.
He confirmed that resignation letters would be submitted shortly to the party’s Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
He did not rule out the possibility of further divisions taking similar action. “The mass resignations involving divisional chiefs and members were decided during their respective divisional meetings.
“It is understood that the Bersatu divisions in Mersing and Labis have already submitted their resignation letters. The same applies to Johor Bahru,” he said.
Regarding their immediate plans, Isa indicated that the group would for now operate through non-governmental organisations to serve local communities.
“Basically, some of us already have NGO platforms. We will move through NGOs.
“We will also cooperate under Perikatan Nasional. There are activities organised by PAS that invite us. As former friends and former political party colleagues, we will attend, especially during the fasting month,” he added.
The announcement underscores mounting fractures within Bersatu’s Johor ranks at a time when party unity is seen as critical in preparation for future electoral contests. - February 18, 2026
