Following the expulsion of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) former Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from the party, Party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin announced that two Vice Presidents, Datuk Mohamad Razi Jidin and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal, would temporarily serve as acting Deputy President.
In a statement issued after chairing a special Supreme Council meeting, Muhyiddin stated the meeting focused on how to further strengthen party organization after disciplinary action was taken against several members.
He emphasized that disciplinary action is an existing mechanism under the party constitution, aimed at maintaining party stability and development, and is not targeted at individuals; special prudence is exercised especially when it involves senior leadership.
He said before taking action, the party had met and negotiated several times with the individuals involved, attempting to seek reconciliation to preserve internal unity, but ultimately, these efforts did not succeed.
“There are still a few people who continue to harm party unity, deliberately splitting the organization, and weakening the direction of the party’s struggle.”
“There are still a few people who continue to harm party unity, deliberately splitting the organization, and weakening the direction of the party’s struggle.”
Muhyiddin stated that as party president and founder, he has the responsibility to ensure the party remains solid and true to its established direction.
He pointed out that over the years, he has responded to internal pressures with a tolerant attitude, even accommodating dissenters in the leadership, solely to maintain overall unity, but these efforts were not appreciated and instead, acts in violation of the party constitution and discipline occurred.
He believes if such problems are allowed to persist, it will shake the foundation of the party and disappoint loyal members. Therefore, the leadership collectively decided to act according to party disciplinary procedures to restore unity.
“This is the best and necessary choice to save the party and rebuild unity.”
Muhyiddin also stated that the Supreme Council decided to continue adhering to the established struggle, strengthen cohesion between the organization and members, and prepare for the 16th General Election. He called on members to remain calm and let the leadership steer the party back to its original path.
Previously, Bersatu had expelled Hamzah Zainudin and 16 leaders seen as his faction at one go, further intensifying intra-party strife.
On another note, Bersatu Secretary-General Datuk Seri Azmin Ali stated that the special meeting also discussed subsequent measures to strengthen the organization and finalized the main direction for work before the general election.
He believes that such adjustments are an inevitable phase in a party's development and will not damage the party’s image.
He added that all those expelled may appeal to the party's disciplinary committee within 14 days; the party will also rebuild affected divisions and formulate a clear roadmap to ensure the organizational strengthening plan continues at all levels.