Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin faces mounting pressure to designate a successor promptly to address growing unease among the party’s grassroots about its future direction, according to political analyst Awang Azman Pawi from Universiti Malaya.
Speaking to Free Malaysia Today on September 15, 2025, Awang Azman stressed that a clear succession plan, coupled with decisive disciplinary action against dissenting members, is critical to restoring confidence within the party.
“Muhyiddin must swiftly announce whether deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin or secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali will succeed him to eliminate uncertainty among the grassroots,” Awang Azman said. “Failure to name his successor will deepen doubts, as many already feel Bersatu has lost its way.”
The call for clarity follows a tumultuous Bersatu general assembly last week, where internal rifts surfaced dramatically. During his opening address, Muhyiddin revealed that some members had been collecting signatures to oust him, prompting a small group of delegates to demand his resignation.
However, the majority countered with chants of “Hidup Tan Sri” in a show of support. Marzuki Mohamad, a former aide to Muhyiddin, likened the party’s divisions to a “chronic illness,” warning that unresolved tensions could jeopardize Bersatu’s longevity.
Awang Azman echoed Marzuki’s concerns, cautioning that this internal discord could “shorten Bersatu’s lifespan” if not addressed. “As the party’s most dominant figure, Muhyiddin must act decisively to strengthen discipline and curb actions that undermine unity, regardless of factional affiliations,” he said. He also urged Muhyiddin to heed grassroots grievances and establish a transparent mechanism for resolving conflicts.
Syaza Shukri, a political analyst from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), reinforced the need for a succession plan, noting that it would portray Muhyiddin as a forward-thinking and magnanimous leader. She dismissed claims that the party’s issues stem from just a few individuals, pointing to widespread discontent among grassroots members.
“These problems reflect broader dissatisfaction that demands Muhyiddin’s urgent attention,” Syaza said.
