A Bersatu division in Terengganu has urged party president Muhyiddin Yassin to take a break from his duties and for secretary-general Azmin Ali to be removed, citing ongoing public disputes among leaders as a drag on the party’s reputation.
Call for Strategic Changes
Dungun Bersatu chief Abdul Aziz Ismail blamed the party’s troubles on several “irrelevant” individuals. In a statement, he advocated for bold reforms to secure Bersatu’s future ahead of the 16th general election.
Aziz proposed that Muhyiddin step aside temporarily, allowing an acting president to steer the direction. He also called for Azmin’s ouster to rebuild the party’s image, pointing to “issues of morality” that have tarnished its integrity.
Push to Replace Information Chief
The division further demanded the replacement of information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz with a more proactive and capable leader. Such a move, Aziz argued, would strengthen the party’s machinery at the grassroots level.
“These three steps will help rejuvenate the party,” he said, noting that the proposals were discussed at a division meeting on October 20.
Echoing Wan Saiful’s Recent Outburst
Aziz’s statement followed closely on the heels of sharp criticism from Wan Saiful Wan Jan, the Tasek Gelugor MP recently expelled from Bersatu. Wan Saiful accused figures close to Muhyiddin, including Azmin and Tun Faisal, of straining relationships within the leadership.
His comments came hours after the party issued a ban prohibiting members from engaging with those under disciplinary action, including attending their events or meetings.
Background of Escalating Conflicts
Before his dismissal, Wan Saiful had lodged complaints with Bersatu’s disciplinary board against Azmin and Tun Faisal, alleging threats to division leaders involved in an alleged plot to remove Muhyiddin as president.
He had also publicly questioned Azmin’s suitability to lead, arguing that the former Selangor menteri besar lacked the necessary credentials.
The night before Aziz’s statement, Wan Saiful reiterated the need to “take back the party” from those not democratically elected, cautioning that their rising influence could drive away other prominent leaders.
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