PETALING JAYA: It may be time for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to pass the baton in Bersatu as widening internal rifts and a wave of dismissals point to a party struggling to contain factionalism, say political analysts.
They believe the ongoing purge of leaders perceived to be aligned with Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin marks a crucial juncture for the party’s cohesion and for Muhyiddin’s legacy as its founder.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and Iseas–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said recent developments highlight Muhyiddin’s waning influence and diminishing political dynamism.
“It is time for Muhyiddin to begin the transition process.
He does not seem as forward-looking as Hamzah.
Even if Hamzah is not the successor, Muhyiddin should start planning for succession.”
She said while Muhyiddin remains synonymous with Bersatu and commands respect as a statesman, the party’s energy and direction appear to be fading under his leadership.
“Muhyiddin’s leadership aura has dimmed.
His support base mostly consists of the older elites in Bersatu.
Hamzah, by contrast, projects a more assertive and energetic image.”
She added that Bersatu’s heavy-handed approach towards dissenters could deepen divisions and further weaken the party ahead of the next general election.
“If Bersatu keeps punishing members who question Muhyiddin, more leaders may walk out.
The party does not seem open to dialogue and it is not that strong to begin with.
Those who leave are more likely to join other parties than form a new one.”
Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the conflict between Muhyiddin’s and Hamzah’s camps has reached “open confrontation”.
“The internal clash is no longer under wraps.
It is out in the open with suspensions, expulsions and leadership reshuffles,” he said.
According to him, Bersatu faces a defining choice – either Muhyiddin consolidates power by sidelining Hamzah’s faction and risking an exodus, or he steps aside and takes on an advisory role, paving the way for a smoother leadership transition.
“To save Bersatu, there are only two routes.
Either Muhyiddin removes Hamzah’s camp to preserve control or he voluntarily steps down and serves as adviser while Hamzah takes over.
“The first option would deepen the split and that is already happening,” he said.
Azmi added that Muhyiddin’s long tenure and recent setbacks, from his short-lived prime ministership to struggles within Perikatan Nasional (PN), have eroded his standing and created room for Hamzah to emerge as a credible alternative.
“It is not that Hamzah is exceptionally popular, but Muhyiddin’s leadership has simply run its course.
That is why Hamzah is being seen as the natural successor.”
In recent weeks, Bersatu has suspended and expelled several figures accused of defying Muhyiddin’s leadership, while Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah was dropped as Pahang PN chief, fuelling speculation of an escalating power struggle between the president and his deputy.
Founded in 2016 following a split from Umno, Bersatu played a pivotal role in Barisan Nasional’s fall in 2018 and in the formation of the government.
