Marzuki Mohamad, former principal private secretary to Muhyiddin Yassin, has said that persistent criticism from within Bersatu and from outside, including Perikatan Nasional component parties, is part of a deliberate effort to push the Bersatu president to step down.
He noted that attacks on the former prime minister have grown sharper in recent days.
PAS leaders, he said, have openly used strong language such as “get lost” and “your time is finished” against Muhyiddin.
Marzuki observed that many people appear eager to celebrate the success of what he called the “Muhyiddin exit” project.
“For PAS, PN’s problems will be resolved once Muhyiddin steps down. PAS will appoint its own candidate as PN chairman,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Conflicting accounts of restructuring agreement
A leaked letter dated January 27 from Muhyiddin stated that PAS and Bersatu had agreed to abolish the PN chairman’s post during a coalition restructuring discussion held at his residence.
According to Muhyiddin, the two parties also agreed that Bersatu would lead the presidential council while PAS would head the executive committee.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, reportedly present at the meeting, has denied Muhyiddin’s account of the agreement.
The absence of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang from a meeting at Muhyiddin’s residence on Thursday night has fuelled speculation about the party’s continued commitment to Perikatan Nasional.
Some insiders have suggested PAS may be moving towards leaving the coalition.
The Thursday meeting followed the cancellation of an emergency PN Supreme Council session that was meant to formalise Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman and name his successor.
Hadi had earlier claimed the PN chairmanship for PAS, though he reportedly ruled himself out from taking the position due to health concerns.
Possible leadership shift and long-term impact
In his post, Marzuki suggested that if Muhyiddin steps down, Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin could take over as party president.
He claimed such a move might eventually lead to Bersatu being absorbed into Umno, thereby strengthening Umno’s position ahead of the next general election.
Marzuki added that Muhyiddin’s departure would likely solidify Anwar Ibrahim’s position as prime minister after the coming polls.
He advised Muhyiddin to leave Bersatu altogether, arguing that it is pointless to continue leading a group that no longer values his leadership.
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