30/10/2025

THURSDAY | OCT 30, 2025

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Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

‘PN leadership reshuffle aims to strengthen coalition’

PETALING JAYA: In what party insiders have described as a calculated move to tighten control, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has turned to Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to anchor Pahang Perikatan Nasional (PN), a decision seen as both tactical and telling. Tuan Ibrahim described the reshuffle of several state PN chairmen announced on Monday as a routine adjustment, saying the decision followed discussions among the coalition’s top leadership. He stressed that the move is intended to strengthen the coalition rather than sideline any individual. “I have no issues with (former Pahang PN chairman) Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah. Our relationship remains good. “However, since Saifuddin is no longer Pahang Bersatu chairman, the position is now held by Rompin MP Datuk Abdul Khalid Abdullah following Bersatu’s internal elections last year. That may be one of the reasons I was chosen to lead PN in Pahang,” he said. He added that the reshuffle was not a unilateral Bersatu decision but one made with input from other coalition partners.

Dr the conflict between Muhyiddin’s and Hamzah’s camps has reached “open confrontation”. “The internal clash is no longer under wraps. It is out in the open with suspensions, expulsions and leadership reshuffles,” he said. According to him, Bersatu faces a defining choice – either Muhyiddin consolidates power by sidelining Hamzah’s faction and risking an exodus, or he steps aside and takes on an advisory role, paving the way for a smoother leadership transition. “To save Bersatu, there are only two routes. Either Muhyiddin removes Hamzah’s camp to preserve control or he voluntarily steps down and serves as adviser while Hamzah takes over. “The first option would deepen the split and that is already happening,” he said. Azmi added that Muhyiddin’s long tenure and recent setbacks, from his short-lived prime ministership to struggles within Perikatan Nasional (PN), have eroded his standing and created room for Hamzah to emerge as a credible alternative. “It is not that Hamzah is exceptionally popular, but Muhyiddin’s leadership has simply run its course. That is why Hamzah is being seen as the natural successor.” In recent weeks, Bersatu has suspended and expelled several figures accused of defying Muhyiddin’s leadership, while Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah was dropped as Pahang PN chief, fuelling speculation of an escalating power struggle between the president and his deputy. Founded in 2016 following a split from Umno, Bersatu played a pivotal role in Barisan Nasional’s fall in 2018 and in the formation of the government. – BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE Azmi Hassan said Indera Mahkota parliamentary service centre to continue serving as the secretariat office for PN Pahang assemblymen.” He said he personally congratulated Tuan Ibrahim on the appointment and pledged to back his leadership in strengthening the coalition’s position in the state. He described the leadership change as part of efforts to inject fresh energy into the state leadership. He added that the reshuffle reflects PN’s broader push to consolidate its presence in Pahang under the banner of “PN Teraju Pahang”. Saifuddin remains PN Indera Mahkota division chief and also heads the Bersatu division there.

PETALING JAYA: It may be time for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to pass the baton in Bersatu as widening internal rifts and a wave of dismissals point to a party struggling to contain factionalism, say political analysts. They believe the ongoing purge of leaders perceived to be aligned with Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin marks a crucial juncture for the party’s cohesion and for Muhyiddin’s legacy as its founder. International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said recent developments highlight Muhyiddin’s waning influence and diminishing political dynamism. “It is time for Muhyiddin to begin the transition process. He does not seem as forward-looking as Hamzah. Even if Hamzah is not the successor, Muhyiddin should start planning for succession.” She said while Muhyiddin remains synonymous with Bersatu and commands respect as a statesman, the party’s energy and direction appear to be fading under his leadership. “Muhyiddin’s leadership aura has dimmed. His support base mostly consists of the older elites in Bersatu. Hamzah, by contrast, projects a more assertive and energetic image.” She added that Bersatu’s heavy handed approach towards dissenters could deepen divisions and further weaken the party ahead of the next general election. “If Bersatu keeps punishing members who question Muhyiddin, more leaders may walk out. The party does not seem open to dialogue and it is not that strong to begin with. Those who leave are more likely to join other parties than form a new one.” Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu in Perak, Datuk Dr Dominic Lau in Penang, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee in Sabah, Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian in Sarawak, himself (Mohamed Azmin) in Selangor, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar in Terengganu and Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin in the Federal Territories. Saifuddin’s removal comes amid his recent public criticism of Muhyiddin and calls for the Bersatu president to step down. However, in a clear show of loyalty amid PN’s internal realignments, Saifuddin has thrown his support behind Tuan Ibrahim, who replaces him as Pahang PN chairman. “Although I am no longer Pahang PN chairman, I have offered the

in the next state election. “Not necessarily. That has not been decided,” he said. PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali announced the reshuffle in a statement on Monday. Apart from Saifuddin, two state PN chairmen were replaced. Former Perlis PN chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Ramli was succeeded by Shahidan while former Malacca PN chairman Dr Mohd Fadzil Yaakub was replaced by Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. In his statement, Azmin confirmed the positions of other state PN chairmen, such as Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal in Johor, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in Kedah, Datuk Ahmad Yakob in Kelantan, Mohamed Hanifah Abu Baker in Negeri Sembilan, Datuk

o Move not unilateral Bersatu decision but executed with input from partners, says Pahang Perikatan chief “We in PAS were the ones who proposed replacing the Perlis PN chairman with Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim,” he said. The Cheka assemblyman, who also serves as Pahang legislative assembly opposition leader, dismissed speculation that state PN chairmen would automatically be named as menteri besar candidates

Time for Muhyiddin to relinquish presidency, say political analysts

Bersatu president accused of silencing dissent Khaliq called for a clear and respectful leadership transition plan, saying it is crucial to strengthen unity and give the party a renewed sense of direction. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has come under fire from within his own party, with several division chiefs accusing him of ignoring grassroots concerns and silencing dissenting voices. Bersatu Dungun division chief Datuk Abdul Aziz Ismail said Muhyiddin has in recent months appeared increasingly intolerant of criticism or differing views from party members. “I have seen that he just cannot accept opinions or comments from the grassroots. Anyone who offers honest criticism is punished,” said Abdul Aziz. He claimed that the party’s disciplinary powers were being used arbitrarily and warned that such actions risk alienating members and repeating the same mistakes that once weakened Umno. “If the president continues behaving this way, Bersatu would end up like Umno, forgetting our original mission to fight corruption and abuse of power,” he said. Earlier, the Dungun division passed

Ishaq called for a clear and respectful leadership transition plan, saying it is crucial to strengthen unity and give the party a renewed sense of direction. “This suggestion comes from love and responsibility towards the party, not rebellion,” he said, adding that future appointments to the party’s supreme leadership council should be based on merit and principle, “not just to create a group of ‘yes men’”. Khaliq made the statement after confirming his removal from the council on Tuesday. “I wish to thank the president for the trust and confidence placed in me. Throughout my tenure, I have served with integrity, sincerity and full commitment to the party’s struggle. “That said, my tenure has ended because I chose not to fully align with the president’s position on certain issues. I respect that decision. But as an elected member, I believe the right to express differing opinions is an essential part of the democratic spirit that defines our party.” – BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE

three at rejuvenating Bersatu’s leadership and strengthening its direction ahead of the 16th general election. The division proposed that Muhyiddin take a temporary break from his duties to allow a new leadership to chart a clearer path for the party. It also called for secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali to be removed to restore Bersatu’s image and integrity, citing ongoing moral controversies that have tainted the leadership’s credibility. The division called for information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz to be replaced with someone more proactive and capable of energising the party machinery at the grassroots. “These motions were proposed collectively during our division meeting on Oct 20. They followed proper procedures and were passed unanimously,” said Abdul Aziz, stressing that the decisions were not his alone. Meanwhile, Bersatu Kepala Batas division chief Khaliq Mehtab Mohd resolutions aimed