Bersatu is no longer just simmering with factionalism - it has now reached the point of open warfare.
The latest public clash between Supreme Council member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and party secretary-general Dato' Seri Azmin Ali has laid bare the cracks within the party, raising serious doubts about Bersatu’s future leadership and its position in Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Political analysts believe that party president Muhyiddin Yassin has lost control of the internal chaos, allowing the conflict to escalate into a full-blown crisis. Dr Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Bersatu had been on a “downward spiral for a while now,” noting that unlike Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional - which is busy governing - Bersatu seems paralysed by its own infighting. Even PAS, she pointed out, appears more focused on governing its four states rather than tearing itself apart.
“Where is Muhyiddin in all this? Who will step up as the voice of reason? This is no longer factionalism but an open call for ‘war’ between key leaders,” Syaza remarked, adding that the only way forward was for either Wan Saiful or Azmin to back down.
Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan was more direct, saying the turmoil stemmed from Muhyiddin’s own admission that a plot existed to unseat him. What began as whispers has now snowballed into visible disunity, he said. “It should have been managed by Muhyiddin’s leadership, but he has lost control the situation. The ‘bad blood’ will spill over and damage Bersatu’s image further if left unresolved.”
Wan Saiful escalated tensions by accusing Azmin and Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz of intimidating division leaders allegedly linked to Muhyiddin’s ouster. He also reignited old controversies, questioning Azmin’s fitness as a leader due to an unresolved scandal dating back to 2019.
This turmoil has only emboldened PAS’s long-standing ambition to take over PN’s chairmanship. Syaza noted that the instability in Bersatu strengthens PAS’s argument for naming its own leader as PN’s prime ministerial candidate in the next general election. Azmi recalled that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang had already hinted that PN needed a leader under 70 - an implicit rejection of Muhyiddin.
Analysts now agree that Muhyiddin’s days at the helm are numbered unless he regains control quickly. Syaza suggested that he introduce a clear succession plan and timeline to restore confidence within the party. “Right now, he seems like a side character in his own party,” she said.
Meanwhile, rumours of PAS grooming secretary-general Dato'Seri Hamzah Zainudin as PN’s future prime minister have further complicated the picture. PAS has denied the claim, with Takiyuddin Hassan stressing that the burden of proof lies with the accuser. Still, the viral audio clip suggesting Hadi offered the role to Hamzah reveals the shifting power dynamics in PN.
For now, one thing is clear: Bersatu’s house is burning, and Muhyiddin no longer holds the hose. The longer the flames rage, the stronger PAS becomes in its bid to seize the PN crown.
By: Kpost
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