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THE leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin within Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) remains intact, despite open signs of discontent during the party’s eighth annual general assembly (AGM) over the weekend.
The disruption occurred during Muhyiddin’s closing address at the AGM held at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), where a small group of delegates heckled him and called for his resignation after he revealed that some party members were collecting signatures in an attempt to unseat him.
The incident, which saw shouting and chants of “Turun, turun” (step down, step down), prompted a swift intervention from the party’s security team.
According to political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan, the disruption marked the first public eruption of long-simmering dissatisfaction within Bersatu. He said the faction calling for change is not necessarily seeking to remove Muhyiddin immediately but rather pushing for a leadership transition that would rejuvenate the party.
“What happened yesterday was quite surprising,” Azmi said. “The group believes a change in leadership is necessary to invigorate Bersatu as a political party.”
Azmi noted that the movement had begun collecting signatures to support its cause—an initiative that could become a powerful grassroots tool if the numbers prove substantial.
“In response, the president said that the signature campaign to change the party's top leadership cannot and will not succeed. But if Muhyiddin chooses to ignore these voices, the campaign could grow into a significant threat,” he said.
He added that while the Bersatu Supreme Council still supports Muhyiddin, the momentum for change is building. “I think the writing is on the wall. Muhyiddin likely decided to defend his position because he retains the council’s backing, but his grip may weaken if grassroots support wanes,” he said.
Azmi expects Muhyiddin’s supporters to launch a counter-campaign to reaffirm loyalty. “Let’s see which side garners more support. But clearly, the movement to replace Muhyiddin is gaining traction and is now openly expressed,” he said.
However, Bersatu Information Chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz played down the incident, saying it involved only a “handful of individuals” who were acting beyond party boundaries and possibly influenced by external agendas.
“As seen in the video, only a small group from nearly 2,700 delegates participated,” he said in a statement. “The leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin is not under threat from actions that lack constitutional legitimacy, legal recognition via statutory declarations, or factual basis.”
Vice President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu echoed the sentiment, stating that the situation was swiftly handled and the focus has returned to the party’s core agenda.
“Only a few were overzealous,” he said. “Those involved have apologised, and we are now refocusing on the tasks ahead. Alhamdulillah.” - Sept 7, 2025