‘Manner in which resignation was handled risks deepening internal divisions’
KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu Port Dickson division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin alleged that former Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s recent decisions suggest he may be acting under the influence of forces outside the coalition.
Popularly known as Chegubard, Badrul claimed that Muhyiddin’s resignation as PN chairman, combined with the sudden departures of fellow Bersatu leaders seen as loyal to him, reflects arrogance and external interference rather than collective leadership within the coalition.
“He may resign, that is his right. But he should not instruct his followers to resign as well.”
Commenting on the recent upheaval within the opposition bloc, Badrul told reporters the alleged behaviour gives the impression that someone outside PN is in control.
Badrul spoke at a press conference alongside Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) information chief Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali in front of Bukit Aman yesterday.
Muhyiddin on Monday announced that he would step down as chairman effective today, raising questions about the coalition’s direction and leadership ahead of upcoming state elections and the 16th general election.
Badrul said the manner in which the resignation was handled risks deepening internal divisions at a time when unity is crucial.
“This is not a time to act out of ego. This is a critical moment,” he said, urging Muhyiddin to engage in discussions with coalition partners.
“Sit at the same table. If you want to resign, that’s fine, but discuss it properly.”
He emphasised that leadership transitions within PN should be managed through consensus, not unilateral decisions that could destabilise the coalition.
He also criticised what he described as the circulation of false letters and misinformation allegedly linked to individuals aligned with Muhyiddin, which had dragged other political parties into the controversy.
“Suddenly fake letters are being circulated. Pejuang was dragged into this without reason.
“Claims were made that Pejuang would join PN, that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would be appointed PN chairman. All of this is slander.”
He said while Pejuang had long sought entry into PN, the party had never been formally accepted, making such claims questionable.
“People should think calmly. How much falsehood is being spread? This is not healthy politics.”
Badrul acknowledged that certain individuals may have vested interests or were allegedly being paid to stir confusion, but called on party members and supporters to remain patient and composed.
The current political climate demanded collective leadership rather than dominance by any single individual, he added, while calling for a united political front capable of addressing national challenges.
“We must build a team to save the nation. Unity, not personal ambition, must come first.”
Following Muhyiddin’s announcement, several Bersatu leaders also stepped down from their posts, including Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who resigned as PN secretary-general and Selangor PN chairman.
Three other state PN chiefs – Johor PN chief Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal, Perak PN chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Negeri Sembilan PN chief Mohamad Hanifah Abu Bakar – also vacated their positions effective today.
