A leader from Bersatu’s associate wing has staunchly defended secretary-general Azmin Ali, countering claims by a Supreme Council member that the former Selangor menteri besar is unfit to lead. Goh Gaik Meng, the Selangor Bersatu associate wing chief, highlighted Azmin’s pivotal role in steering Perikatan Nasional (PN) to secure 22 seats in the last state election, nearly unseating Pakatan Harapan in Selangor.
Goh noted that Azmin had restructured the Selangor PN leadership upon taking over from Abdul Rashid Asari. “It is evident that he is the most capable and qualified individual to lead Bersatu and help realize the party’s ambition of governing Selangor,” Goh said in a statement.
Reflecting on Azmin’s tenure as menteri besar, Goh praised his initiatives, including a free water scheme and assessment tax exemptions in certain areas, which he said earned widespread appreciation among Selangor residents. “The people of Selangor miss Azmin’s leadership,” he asserted, adding that Bersatu and PN are well-positioned to reclaim the state with Azmin at the helm.
The defense comes in response to remarks made on Monday by Bersatu Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who argued that Azmin’s leadership was compromised due to an unresolved controversy surrounding a leaked explicit video allegedly involving him. The Tasek Gelugor MP announced plans to refer Azmin to the party’s disciplinary board, citing alleged threats against division leaders linked to a purported plot to oust party president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Goh dismissed Wan Saiful’s allegations, suggesting they stemmed from a hidden agenda that could undermine the opposition’s prospects. He referenced a prior incident following the last general election, where threats were allegedly made by the same individual and reported to the party leadership.
Meanwhile, Bersatu division leaders in Perak condemned Wan Saiful’s public criticism, urging the disciplinary board to take action against him for challenging the party’s leadership. In a statement, they emphasized the importance of using proper channels to address grievances and resolve disputes. “Issuing statements that openly challenge the leadership is inappropriate and risks fostering slander while casting doubt on Bersatu’s unity,” they said.
Several Bersatu assemblymen have also called for disciplinary measures against Wan Saiful, signaling growing internal friction within the party.
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