Perikatan Nasional chairman and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin faces mounting pressure to resign from both roles following his recent sedition charge in Kelantan, according to UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi. In a pointed statement, Puad emphasized that the latest legal troubles underscore deep concerns about Muhyiddin’s integrity and leadership.
Puad’s call for resignation comes on the heels of Muhyiddin being charged under the Sedition Act at the Gua Musang Sessions Court earlier today. The charge relates to allegations that Muhyiddin made inflammatory remarks concerning race, religion, and royalty during the recent Nenggiri state seat by-election campaign. If convicted, the charges could result in a fine of up to RM5,000, a prison sentence of up to three years, or both.
This latest legal issue adds to Muhyiddin’s already considerable burden of legal challenges. Earlier this year, he was recharged with corruption related to the Jana Wibawa programme. On February 28, the Court of Appeal reinstated four power abuse charges against him that had previously been dismissed. The charges allege that Muhyiddin, during his tenure as Prime Minister and Bersatu president, accepted bribes totaling RM232.5 million from several companies and an individual, Datuk Azman Yusoff.
Puad Zarkashi criticized Muhyiddin’s decision to remain in his leadership positions despite these serious allegations. He argued that the former Prime Minister should follow the example set by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who resigned as Barisan Nasional chairman and UMNO president following the coalition's defeat in the 2018 general election, even before facing any charges himself.
“It's not just about being charged; it’s about maintaining integrity,” Puad said in a Facebook statement. “Muhyiddin was already embroiled in corruption charges over the Jana Wibawa issue, and now he faces accusations related to the 3R issue. He should step down from his positions to preserve his and the party’s integrity.”
Puad also highlighted Bersatu’s recent electoral setbacks, including the party’s loss in the Nenggiri by-election, which he sees as further evidence of leadership failure under Muhyiddin. “Bersatu’s defeat in Nenggiri adds to the heavy baggage Muhyiddin carries,” he stated, suggesting that his continued leadership might be untenable given the party’s recent performance and his legal troubles.
Muhyiddin, 76, has yet to publicly respond to Puad’s resignation call or the new charges. His continued role as a prominent opposition leader amidst ongoing legal issues raises questions about the stability and credibility of both his leadership and the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
As the legal proceedings unfold and political tensions rise, Muhyiddin’s future in Malaysian politics remains uncertain, with calls for his resignation underscoring the intense scrutiny and pressure facing him.
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