Alleged reluctance to unite Malay parties ‘deepens rift’

Growing internal divisions in Bersatu are linked to Muhyiddin Yassin’s alleged reluctance to unify Malay parties, with some leaders calling for his resignation.

PETALING JAYA: Deepening divisions within Bersatu are being linked to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s alleged reluctance to pursue the unification of Malay-based political parties, party sources said.

A senior party source, speaking to theSun on condition of anonymity, said support is growing within Bersatu for deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s proposal to consolidate Malay parties under a common platform.

“At the grassroots level, many of us want to see Malay parties united. That has long been the aspiration.”

However, the source claimed Muhyiddin does not share that objective and is perceived by some members as being more open to engagement with Pakatan Harapan (PH).

“There is a growing perception that Tan Sri is leaning towards PH. That is not the direction many in the party support.”

The source further alleged that Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has been acting as an intermediary between Muhyiddin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a claim that has reportedly unsettled segments of the party.

theSun has sought to corroborate the claims with a separate party source, who independently supported the allegations.

Several senior leaders and division chiefs have cited what they described as weak crisis management, questionable use of disciplinary mechanisms and strategic miscalculations that could fracture PN and erode support for the Malay-based party in future elections.

Chief among them is Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who urged Muhyiddin to relinquish the presidency for the sake of party unity.

He said the leadership has failed to contain an internal crisis that now threatens cohesion at multiple levels. He also questioned whether recent disciplinary actions were intended to strengthen party institutions or consolidate leadership control, adding that such moves risk damaging Bersatu’s credibility and distracting it from its broader political role.

He also said efforts perceived as silencing dissent have contributed to a sense of uncertainty among grassroots members, leaving the party appearing “directionless”.

Last Tuesday, 14 Bersatu division chiefs from Johor publicly declared loss of confidence in Muhyiddin’s leadership, contending that the disciplinary measures were driven more by internal power struggles than constructive debate.

Tanjung Piai Bersatu division chief Musa Khamis said the manner in which the dispute has been handled has weakened trust within Bersatu and strained relations with coalition partners. 

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