12-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Good time for Bersatu leadership change, say analysts
The Port Dickson Bersatu division unanimously approved a motion calling for a leadership change that would see Hamzah Zainudin take over from Muhyiddin Yassin at the party's helm.
PETALING JAYA : Two analysts say Port Dickson Bersatu's call for a 'planned leadership transition' is timely, as the party gears up for the 16th general election.
On Sunday, the division unanimously approved a motion calling for a leadership change that would see Hamzah Zainudin take over from Muhyiddin Yassin at the helm of the party.
The division, led by Badrul Hisham Shaharin, proposed that Hamzah, currently the Bersatu deputy president, take over as the party's 'main leader', and for vice-president Radzi Jidin to handle administrative matters.
Syaza Shukri.
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said a leadership transition at this juncture would be beneficial, as it would allow Hamzah ample time to plan and strategise for GE16, which is due by February 2028.
'If it happens later, he would just be continuing with Muhyiddin's work rather than coming up with his own plan and strategy,' she told FMT.
The Port Dickson Bersatu motion, which did not explicitly call for Hamzah to take over the party presidency, proposed that Muhyiddin be made an adviser and mentor.
The division's deputy chief, Akkil Aizat Othman, who tabled the motion, said Bersatu needs to adopt a more aggressive approach in its political engagement and must also reform its disciplinary and communications systems to strengthen internal cohesion and public messaging.
He also said the party needed stability and a clearer direction in the lead-up to GE16, adding that it had been 'too slow' in its preparations.
Strong leadership needed
Syaza said that may be due to Muhyiddin, who does not project the kind of strong leadership Bersatu needs in opposition.
'Hamzah has been doing quite a lot, but we seldom hear from Muhyiddin.
'But more than that, Bersatu as a party still has not figured out its niche and therefore does not have strong grassroots support yet. So it's a combination of both,' she said.
In recent months, speculation has mounted over Bersatu's leadership. Certain factions are pushing for Hamzah, who is the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, to take the helm, while others aligned to Azmin Ali have called for continuity under Muhyiddin's presidency.
Syaza said that if calls for a leadership change persist, Bersatu may opt to retain Muhyiddin as president to maintain party stability.
'As with almost all parties in Malaysia, they like sticking to the status quo and not challenging the leadership,' she said.
Azmi Hassan.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara also said a leadership transition would be timely, noting that Bersatu needs 'new blood' to remain relevant.
'The party's number one problem is leadership. Although Hamzah is a veteran, he represents the leadership renewal Bersatu needs to move forward,' he said.
Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said Muhyiddin still enjoys majority support among the party's grassroots, citing informal feedback received from the party's 202 divisions nationwide.
However, the Port Dickson division doubled down on its motion on Wednesday, with Akkil refusing to withdraw the proposal.
Asked whether the motion signalled a shift in allegiance, given Badrul's perceived alignment with Azmin, Azmi said it was likely unrelated to internal party factions.
'It's more about needing to replace Muhyiddin,' he said.
