Muhyiddin Yassin has signalled readiness to hand over leadership to the next generation of Bersatu figures, yet analysts believe he faces a difficult dilemma as talks of a snap 16th general election grow louder.
Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, associate vice-president at The Asia Group consultancy, said a leadership change before GE16 could project renewal for the party. It might appeal to voters who see Muhyiddin as part of an older generation of politicians.
He told FMT that such a step would also allow the incoming president time to build authority within Bersatu ahead of the nationwide polls.
Azmil Tayeb from Universiti Sains Malaysia agreed it would be prudent for Muhyiddin to begin a transition plan before GE16, or at minimum, clearly identify a successor.
Risks amid party fragmentation
Both analysts cautioned, however, that the move carries serious risks for Bersatu at this stage.
Azmil described the current timing as too controversial, given the party’s deep divisions. He pointed to the recent expulsion of Hamzah Zainudin and his allies, which sparked widespread resignations.
Asrul noted that Muhyiddin, at 78 and Bersatu president since the party’s founding in 2016, remains its most recognised national figure. A successor might struggle to fill his role quickly.
“Stepping aside too close to the election could risk internal uncertainty if a clear successor has not yet emerged,” he said.
Muhyiddin stepped down as Perikatan Nasional chairman on January 1 following a political crisis in Perlis that led to public disagreements between PAS and Bersatu leaders.
Potential successors and their challenges
Muhyiddin recently said he would pass the mantle “soon” to capable next-generation leaders, naming Bersatu vice-presidents Radzi Jidin and Ahmad Faizal Azumu, secretary-general Azmin Ali, and youth chief Hilman Idham.
Radzi, Faizal and Azmin are all former federal ministers. Radzi remains the only sitting MP among them, while Faizal and Azmin previously led the Perak and Selangor state governments, respectively.
Azmil observed that this group lacks the pull Hamzah once had among Umno supporters, a key element since Bersatu aims to draw votes away from Umno in Malay-majority seats.
“Hamzah’s advantage is that he can siphon support away from Umno to PN, something this bunch of Bersatu leaders are unable to do,” he said.
Azmil stressed that Bersatu must prove itself a stronger alternative to Umno in former strongholds and present a united front quickly to prepare for GE16.
Asrul highlighted Azmin as the most nationally recognisable among the potential successors, making him a possible frontrunner.
However, he noted that Azmin lost his long-held Gombak parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election by more than 12,000 votes, after representing it for three terms under PKR.
“To be seen as Muhyiddin’s successor, Azmin may first need to prove his electoral strength again by winning a parliamentary seat in GE16,” Asrul added.
About The Author
