Bersatu’s ongoing internal strife could spell the party’s end before the next general election if the leadership impasse persists, according to political analysts.
Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara described the situation as an existential crisis, with infighting past the point of no return.
“It’s tough for Bersatu to stay intact—not just until GE16, but in the coming months. The disputes will erupt openly, demanding the president’s resignation,” he told FMT.
Azmi noted Muhyiddin Yassin should have exited when he initially said he would not contest the presidency, but reversed course completely.
“Had he left willingly, Bersatu would have been fine,” he added.
Paths to Stability
Azmi said the party’s future depends on bold moves.
“Either Muhyiddin remains and expels Hamzah’s faction, or he steps down for Hamzah to lead. Action is essential for political survival before GE16,” he explained.
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia agreed the crisis is escalating but doubted electoral defeat.
“The party can still compete while allied with PAS,” he said.
Risks of Alliance Fracture
Mazlan warned of collapse if PAS ties weaken further, potentially triggering member exits or protests.
“If Perikatan Nasional breaks and PAS abandons Bersatu, the party is finished,” he stated.
Though the turmoil centres on top positions and has not yet hit grassroots levels significantly, Mazlan urged leaders to embrace reform.
“This hurts Muhyiddin. Veteran leaders must enable swift succession to fresh faces,” he said.
More senior figures now demand Muhyiddin’s exit after the recent sacking of one MP and suspension of another.
Recent Developments
At last month’s Bersatu general assembly, Muhyiddin disclosed efforts to gather signatures for his removal, with some delegates calling for his resignation.
This led to Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan’s expulsion and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal’s suspension.
Wan Saiful blamed Muhyiddin allies for leadership strains, naming secretary-general Azmin Ali and information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz.
Bersatu Supreme Council member and Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah recently echoed calls for Muhyiddin to relinquish the presidency.
He was then stripped of his Pahang Perikatan Nasional chief role.
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