Mahathir and Muhyiddin at Cross Roads! Will They Pursue Unity or Division?

Politics
17 Dec 2025 • 4:30 PM MYT
Kamran
Kamran

A freelance content creator

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Image credit: Malay Mail

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) Information Chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz has urged Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to meet privately and settle the growing tensions sparked by allegations of party fund misuse. He emphasized that such matters should be clarified face-to-face to prevent prolonged misunderstandings that could weaken the party’s unity.

Tun Faisal rejected claims that the Pagoh MP had misappropriated party funds and stored them at his residence, describing the accusations as unfounded and baseless. He explained that all political contributions were deposited into official party accounts and managed transparently by the Treasurer-General. If there had been any intention to misuse funds, he argued, it could have been done through various channels while Muhyiddin was in power, but this did not occur.

He also dismissed suggestions that Muhyiddin’s ambition to become Prime Minister was driven by fear of imprisonment. Such claims, he said, were illogical, pointing out that Muhyiddin had previously announced his decision not to contest the BERSATU presidency in 2023. According to Tun Faisal, this demonstrated that the former Prime Minister was not acting out of desperation but rather prioritizing the broader agenda of unity and service to the people.

Commenting on Dr Mahathir’s remarks, Tun Faisal suggested that inaccurate information may have been conveyed to the former Prime Minister, leading to the current dispute. He stressed that Muhyiddin’s response reflected statesmanship and magnanimity, as he sought to place the interests of the people above personal grievances.

The controversy intensified after a two-minute video clip circulated last week, allegedly showing Dr Mahathir accusing Muhyiddin of misappropriating party funds during a meeting with Johor Bersatu Youth members in Putrajaya. The video was accompanied by claims that Muhyiddin wanted to become Prime Minister not to serve the nation but to avoid imprisonment. Muhyiddin has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as reckless, baseless, and entirely untrue.

Meanwhile, UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi questioned whether Mahathir and Muhyiddin could continue working together after such serious accusations. He also raised concerns about Muhyiddin’s decision not to pursue legal action against Mahathir, suggesting that the absence of a defamation suit might indicate political vulnerability ahead of the 16th General Election.

Tun Faisal’s call for reconciliation highlights the importance of dialogue over confrontation. He warned that unresolved disputes could damage the credibility of BERSATU and weaken its position in the broader political landscape. By meeting privately, both leaders could prevent further escalation and focus on strengthening unity within the party as it prepares for future challenges.


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