Muhyiddin ‘upset’ over ‘defiance’ by some Supreme Council members
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal says it was ‘agreed’ that only three will be named for vice-president’s posts.
(FMT) – A Bersatu leader has questioned the action of several Supreme Council members in allegedly disregarding party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s orders for the upcoming party elections.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the action by some leaders to contest for the posts of vice-president contradicted a collective decision made during the party’s assembly.
While declining to name those involved, he said all members had agreed to grant Muhyiddin the mandate, which included a proposal that the top five positions should not be contested.
Wan Fayhsal claimed that Muhyiddin is “deeply upset and disappointed” by those who undermined the agreed-upon “compromise plan”.
“This behaviour is irresponsible, as the decision was made together,” he said in an interview with FMT.
“It might still be acceptable for those outside the leadership to vie for vice-presidential positions. But, those within the Supreme Council, who initially agreed to support the president’s mandate, should not be contesting.
“When such challenges arise, it raises questions whether there is a need to adhere to the president’s mandate.”
In July, Muhyiddin was reported to have said that he had been given a mandate by the Supreme Council to negotiate with the leadership to ensure the party elections did not cause divisions.
Muhyiddin’s “formula” entails himself being at the helm of Bersatu, with Hamzah Zainudin as his deputy, and Ronald Kiandee, Radzi Jidin and Ahmad Faizal Azumu proposed to fill the three vice-president’s posts.
After nominations were finalised last week, both Muhyiddin and Hamzah won uncontested, while six candidates were named to contest the three vice-president’s posts – Kiandee, Radzi, Faizal, Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Selangor Bersatu deputy chairman Rafiq Abdullah and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.
Wan Fayhsal, who is also the Machang MP, said this places Muhyiddin in a difficult position and reflects poorly on the party.
“The breach of the decisions made by those who took part in making them is detrimental to the party,” he said, adding that Muhyiddin’s image as party president also suffers.
Still time to withdraw
Wan Fayhsal said the candidates, including Supreme Council members contesting for the vice-president’s posts, have the option to withdraw before the party elections on Nov 2 to demonstrate their commitment to Muhyiddin’s “formula”.
He said many young leaders, including himself and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, had intended to vie for the vice-presidential roles, but withdrew in accordance with Muhyiddin’s directive.
He also said the democratic process surrounding the party elections is still “alive and well” for Bersatu, despite Muhyiddin’s plan.
“Competition still exists, although it is more organised and guided by the advice and direction provided by the president,” he said.