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THE president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has moved to quell internal unrest following a sweeping disciplinary crackdown, asserting that the measures were constitutionally grounded and vital to preserving party cohesion as it prepares for the 16th General Election.
Speaking after chairing a Special Meeting of the Supreme Leadership Council in Kuala Lumpur today, Muhyiddin said the gathering was convened to chart a path forward for Bersatu in the aftermath of disciplinary action taken against several members, including senior leaders.
“Disciplinary action is part of the mechanism provided for in the party constitution to ensure that the party remains stable and strong. It is not a measure taken arbitrarily, especially when it involves senior party leaders,” he said.
The former prime minister emphasised that reconciliation efforts had preceded the action, describing a series of engagements aimed at restoring unity and averting rupture within the party. Those overtures, he said, failed to yield results.
“On the contrary, there were certain quarters who continuously carried out sabotage against the party with the intention of dividing it and undermining its struggle,” he added.
Muhyiddin, who founded Bersatu, framed the decision as one borne of responsibility rather than retribution.
He said his duty as president was to safeguard the party’s founding principles and prevent it from being weakened by internal discord.
“For years I adopted a measured approach in dealing with various forms of internal sabotage and pressure from within the party itself. I even gave positions in the party leadership to individuals whom I knew opposed me,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
According to Muhyiddin, those conciliatory gestures were intended to preserve unity and strengthen the party’s collective mission. However, he claimed that repeated breaches of party discipline and constitutional provisions ultimately compelled decisive action.
“Unfortunately, my efforts were not appreciated.
“Instead, actions contrary to the party constitution and discipline were carried out repeatedly. If left unchecked, such conduct would damage the party and disappoint loyal members,” he said.
The Supreme Leadership Council has since resolved to press ahead with enforcing the disciplinary framework set out in Bersatu’s constitution.
“This is a necessary step and the best option at this time to restore unity and save the party,” Muhyiddin stated.
As part of a broader restructuring effort, the council unanimously agreed to appoint Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu to carry out the duties of deputy president, signalling an interim consolidation of leadership as the party regroups ahead of the next national polls.
Muhyiddin appealed directly to grassroots members to remain steady during the transition, pledging that the leadership would steer the party back to what he described as its original mission of championing the people’s interests.
“I am confident that with the spirit of togetherness among Bersatu members and loyalty to the party’s cause, we will overcome whatever challenges and trials confront the party,” he said. - February 14, 2026