A senior Bersatu leader has dismissed rumors of a directive banning motions targeting party president Muhyiddin Yassin at the upcoming annual general assembly, labeling the claims as an attempt to tarnish the party’s reputation.
Selangor Bersatu deputy chief Rafiq Abdullah refuted allegations circulating in a viral WhatsApp screenshot, which suggested that division leaders were threatened with exclusion from elections for defying such a directive.
The screenshot, shared by Port Dickson Bersatu chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, known as Chegubard, claimed that Muhyiddin, who holds authority to endorse candidates, had issued instructions to suppress critical motions. Rafiq, after consulting party leaders in Selangor, Melaka, Terengganu, and Kedah, confirmed no such directive existed. “This message is clearly fabricated,” he told FMT. “Division chiefs verified they never received such instructions. These baseless allegations likely serve the personal agendas of certain individuals.”
Party Unity and Leadership Support
Rafiq emphasized Muhyiddin’s vital role as Bersatu’s figurehead ahead of the 16th general election, underscoring the need for unity. Jasin Bersatu chief Dr. Yadzil Yaakub, the opposition leader in the Melaka state assembly, echoed this sentiment, stating he had not received any threats or warnings about restricted motions. “I’m unaware of any such directive—perhaps it just hasn’t reached me,” he remarked.
Criticism of Misinformation
Badrul condemned the spread of the message, arguing it damaged Muhyiddin’s reputation and risked alienating grassroots leaders. He criticized those responsible, urging them not to hide behind claims of “defending the president’s institution,” a tactic he compared to strategies used within Umno to shield its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Badrul called for Bersatu members to rally behind Muhyiddin, supporting his efforts to strengthen the opposition against the government.
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