BERSATU president Muhyiddin Yassin is under no pressure to step down despite serious allegations of corruption and sedition, observers said.

They said the Pagoh MP and former prime minister is likely to retain his position as Bersatu chief in the party elections.

Muhyiddin, who is facing sedition charges for allegedly questioning the credibility of former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is also accused of corruption in connection with the RM4 billion 1BestariNet project, worth RM4 billion. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) raided YTL Communications Sdn Bhd’s office as part of its investigation into the project, which was introduced in 2011 when Muhyiddin served as education minister.

He is also being tried for power abuse and money laundering linked to Jana Wibawa, a programme he launched when he was prime minister to help Bumiputera contractors.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said Bersatu is likely to keep Muhyiddin as party head.

“It is clear that Bersatu wants Muhyiddin to lead the party. Last year, he announced he did not wish to defend his post, but he is under no pressure to step down, despite the court cases,” he said.

Hisommudin said Bersatu must repair its relationship with PAS if the coalition hopes to succeed beyond the next general election.

“Between PAS and Bersatu, they are in a phase of working independently. The cracks are subtle, but on many occasions, PAS has done one thing while Bersatu does another,” he said,

“This was evident during the Nenggeri by-election and the formation of SG4, where Muhyiddin was sidelined.”

Muhyiddin had initially declined defend his position as Bersatu president but changed his mind after his wife advised him not to step down.

“She sent me a message saying I should stay for another term because the party still needs me. ‘Bersatu is still weak,’ she said, ‘and it still needs you to lead. Don’t disappoint them.’ I said, ‘Okay, my darling.’”

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid said it is time for Bersatu to select a new leader. He said Muhyiddin has been in politics for more than 50 years and occupied the country’s highest office.

“Muhyiddin has accomplished his goal of becoming prime minister. He made his feelings clear when he wanted to step down from his party role, but then his wife said no. It was a weak reason, and it reflects poorly on his leadership,” Fauzi said.

He added that Bersatu and PN must prepare for the next general election with fresh leadership.

“There are other capable leaders in the party. They need younger leaders as replacements.”

Universiti Malaya professor Awang Azman Awang Pawi stated that the legal cases against Muhyiddin could impact his position as PN chairman and Bersatu president.

“The charges against him will undoubtedly weaken his credibility. Public trust will diminish, and this will affect his leadership,” Awang said.

He also noted signs of discontent from PAS, signalling cracks within PN.

“Support from political allies is crucial for maintaining his leadership. If that support weakens, Muhyiddin may face a serious challenge in retaining his position.”

Awang named three men to succeed Muhyiddin as PN chair: “Hadi Awang, with his experience and strong support from PAS members, though his conservative views may not appeal to Malaysia’s multi-racial society. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has potential, but his influence is mostly confined to Terengganu. Hamzah Zainuddin is the best alternative, he has strong support in Bersatu and the ability to negotiate with PAS leaders.” – September 16, 2024.