Bersatu Navigates Internal Strife: Analyst Downplays Likelihood of Sacking Deputy President
The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is currently grappling with significant internal discord, leading to speculation about potential disciplinary actions against its leadership. However, a political analyst has cast doubt on the party’s willingness to take the drastic step of sacking its deputy president, Hamzah Zainudin, who is also the opposition leader, amidst allegations of undermining party chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Dr. Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia suggests that while Muhyiddin appears to be consolidating his authority within Bersatu, a full-blown purge, particularly of a prominent figure like Hamzah, is unlikely to materialise. Dr. Syaza pointed to recent disciplinary actions against three Members of Parliament – Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Saifuddin Abdullah, and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal – as evidence of Muhyiddin’s efforts to assert control and send a clear message to dissenters.
“It’s more of a warning,” Dr. Syaza explained. “I don’t think they would dare sack Hamzah, who is also the opposition leader, mind you.” She elaborated that such a move could prove counterproductive for Bersatu, given its already “precarious position.” According to Dr. Syaza, sacking Hamzah would provide him with significant “political capital” to actively oppose Muhyiddin and the party’s direction. In the current climate, Bersatu’s primary need is to “close ranks,” making internal divisions a greater liability.
The internal friction stems from reports of Hamzah being summoned to appear before the party’s disciplinary board. The allegations reportedly involve attempts to sabotage the party’s upcoming 2025 annual general assembly and undermine its current leadership. This is not an isolated incident, as at least six other party leaders, including division chiefs and representatives from Sabah Bersatu, were also expected to face the disciplinary board on February 12th concerning separate matters from 2025.
The disciplinary actions against Wan Saiful (Tasek Gelugor MP) and Saifuddin (Indera Mahkota MP) for allegedly undermining Muhyiddin during a perceived leadership struggle with Hamzah, along with the suspension of Wan Fayhsal, have highlighted the deep divisions within the party. All three affected MPs have reportedly lodged appeals against the decisions.
This latest round of internal bickering occurs against a backdrop of broader political realignments within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. Notably, PAS is reportedly pushing to assume leadership of PN, a move that could challenge Muhyiddin’s position as coalition chairman. The tension was further exacerbated when PAS refuted Muhyiddin’s claim that both parties had reached an agreement to abolish the PN chairmanship, leading to renewed calls for Muhyiddin’s resignation as Bersatu president.
The Stakes for Bersatu’s Image and Discipline
The potential disciplinary action against its deputy president places Bersatu’s public image and internal discipline under intense scrutiny. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting believes that the party’s reputation is on the line.
He argued that taking decisive action against Hamzah, if warranted, would demonstrate Bersatu’s commitment to its principles and its capacity to enforce party discipline. Such a move would signal that “no one is untouchable,” reinforcing the authority of the party’s leadership and its disciplinary mechanisms.
Conversely, Ahmad Zaharuddin warned that failing to act decisively could have detrimental consequences. “If it doesn’t, Bersatu will be seen as weak while its disciplinary board will be deemed as a powerless body that’s merely symbolic,” he stated. This perceived weakness, he predicts, would embolden Hamzah to continue challenging the leadership and further erode party solidarity. Furthermore, political rivals would undoubtedly exploit such internal divisions to their own advantage, potentially undermining Bersatu’s electoral prospects.
The situation underscores the delicate balancing act Bersatu faces as it attempts to manage internal dissent while navigating a complex and competitive political landscape in Malaysia. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal how the party leadership chooses to address these internal challenges and what impact their decisions will have on Bersatu’s future trajectory.
