Political analysts warn that Bersatu’s internal factions have erupted into open conflict, with tensions spilling into the public domain following a scathing attack by Supreme Council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan on party secretary-general Azmin Ali. The escalating feud, analysts say, is undermining party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership and strengthening PAS’s case to assume control of Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Syaza Shukri, a political analyst from the International Islamic University Malaysia, described Bersatu as being on a “downward spiral” for some time, mired in factionalism while Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional focuses on governance and PAS concentrates on leading four states. “Where is Muhyiddin in all this? Who will emerge as a voice of reason to halt this chaos?” Syaza asked in an interview with FMT. She characterized the conflict as no longer mere factionalism but an open “war” between key party figures, suggesting that resolution hinges on either Wan Saiful or Azmin stepping back from the public dispute.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara echoed these concerns, attributing the escalation to Muhyiddin’s own claim of a campaign within Bersatu to oust him as president. “This has snowballed out of his control,” Azmi said, noting that the push for Muhyiddin’s resignation is gaining traction. He warned that unresolved “bad blood” could further damage Bersatu’s reputation if the factions do not reconcile. “Muhyiddin should have managed this, but he has lost control of Bersatu,” he added, urging the warring sides to negotiate to prevent further harm to the party’s image.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The conflict intensified after Wan Saiful accused Azmin and Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz of threatening division leaders allegedly linked to a plot to remove Muhyiddin as president. Wan Saiful clarified that the collection of signatures from division chiefs was not aimed at ousting Muhyiddin but rather to oppose discussions about Bersatu’s prime minister candidate at its annual general meeting (AGM) on September 9. He further questioned Azmin’s suitability as a leader, citing an unresolved 2019 controversy involving a leaked video allegedly depicting Azmin in homosexual acts.
PAS’s Push for PN Leadership
Syaza noted that Bersatu’s internal strife bolsters PAS’s demands to take over PN’s chairmanship from Muhyiddin and nominate a PAS leader as the coalition’s prime minister candidate for the next general election. At Bersatu’s AGM, delegates unanimously endorsed Muhyiddin as the party’s prime minister candidate, according to Azmin. However, Syaza argued that Bersatu’s inability to resolve its internal disputes weakens its claim to lead PN. “If Bersatu cannot manage its own affairs, how can it aspire to lead the coalition or the country?” she questioned.
Azmi concurred, pointing to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s implicit rejection of Muhyiddin by expressing a preference for a prime minister candidate under 70 years old. “Muhyiddin’s days are numbered,” Azmi said.
Call for a Succession Plan
Syaza emphasized the need for Muhyiddin to establish a clear succession plan with a defined timeline to stabilize Bersatu’s future and quell ongoing disputes over statutory declarations and leadership roles. “Muhyiddin needs to take control of the narrative,” she said, noting that he currently appears as a “side character” in his own party. A well-defined succession strategy, she added, would provide clarity on Bersatu’s direction and restore confidence amid growing discontent.
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