Eleven Bersatu division chiefs in Johor resign en masse, citing a leadership crisis and loss of faith in the party’s direction ahead of the state election.
KLUANG: Eleven division heads of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in Johor have announced their resignations.
They cited a prolonged leadership crisis they claim was not handled prudently by the party’s top leadership.
The divisions involved are Pontian, Simpang Renggam, Sembrong, Mersing, Johor Bahru, Pengerang, Labis, Tanjung Piai, Seri Gading, Ledang and Pulai. Pontian division head Datuk Isa Ab Hamid spoke on behalf of the group.
He said the resignations would effectively lead to the dissolution of the affected divisions. “The ongoing leadership crisis, including the dismissal of senior leaders and Members of Parliament, has left the party’s direction increasingly unclear and eroded the trust of members and voters,” he said at a press conference.
Isa said the Mersing and Labis division heads had submitted official resignation letters to Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali. The remaining divisions were expected to follow suit soon.
He added that the failure of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Johor Bersatu Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal to unite leaders had undermined confidence. This was particularly concerning with the Johor state election on the horizon.
Meanwhile, former Johor Bahru division chief Datuk Zulkifli Bujang said the group would act collectively. Any future decisions, including possible offers from other parties, would be made by consensus.
Previously, Bersatu dismissed 17 members for allegedly violating the party’s constitution. Those dismissed included several Supreme Council members, four MPs and two state assemblymen.
The former chief of Bersatu’s Dungun division has claimed the division was dissolved today. Datuk Aziz Ismail said the move followed the departure of 1,880 members from 13 branches.
“The drastic decision was taken after losing confidence and support for the leadership of Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali denied claims of division dissolutions elsewhere. He specifically refuted reports about the Larut, Lembah Pantai, Kepala Batas and Tanjong divisions.
He said the claim was baseless and contradicted provisions in the party constitution and Bersatu Conference Regulations. “The party constitution does not provide any power to any party member, including a division chief, to dissolve a division,” Azmin stated.
He characterised the claims as a desperate action by certain individuals with ill intent. Their aim, he said, was to damage the party’s image and dignity as well as to undermine party stability.
