Talk abound of rift between Bersatu top two

The Star:

Talk abound of rift between Bersatu top two

By ARFA YUNUS

Sunday, 09 Feb 20255:42 PM MYT


PETALING JAYA: During this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations, the absence of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from attending open houses and events together has fueled speculation of a growing rift between the Bersatu president and his deputy.

At the heart of it? Sources say it likely stems from the Dubai Move which made headlines in late December 2023, an alleged attempt by the opposition to woo Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in a bid to topple the Madani government.

On December 29, 2023, Ismail Yusop, the then deputy director-general of the government’s Community Communications Department (J-Kom), claimed that opposition leaders and influential figures had met in Dubai to discuss plans to topple the government.

During the Dubai Move, sources claimed that Hamzah had indicated to a few individuals the possibility of securing government positions, in anticipation of becoming prime minister.

"Tan Sri (Muhyiddin) named him (Hamzah) as the candidate for prime minister," said an insider.

But after Dubai Move failed, the insider claimed that Hamzah had put the blame on Muhyiddin who felt hurt by it, adding that this marked the start of their deteriorating relationship.

Another source said the divide became clearer after Bersatu held its internal election last year, in which Hamzah allegedly secured more influence.

A branch chief and several other grassroots leaders claimed that more than half of the 20 elected supreme council members are aligned with Hamzah.

After the election, an aide to a Bersatu leader said Muhyiddin attempted to regain control by reshuffling state chairmen, but claimed that most of the new appointees are strategically aligning with both factions.

“Muhyiddin and Hamzah now have a strictly professional relationship, speaking only when necessary for party matters,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, according to several grassroots leaders, has positioned himself closer to Muhyiddin, forming a strategic alliance against Hamzah.

This was also evident on social media platforms as Azmin was frequently seen alongside Muhyiddin at events, including the recent Chinese New Year celebration, while Hamzah attended separate engagements.

Azmin’s own aspirations within the party have led to tensions with Hamzah, as both are believed to be eyeing the party presidency.

An insider suggests that the ongoing rivalry between Hamzah and Azmin plays to Muhyiddin’s advantage, as it upholds his image as the sole credible figure to lead the party.

“Despite previously stating he was prepared to step down, Muhyiddin’s reluctance to mediate between the two indicates that he may still have ambitions to become the prime minister for a second time,” a veteran Perikatan Nasional leader said.

The power struggle comes at a crucial time for Bersatu, with the upcoming Sabah state election posing a challenge for the party.

A source admitted that Bersatu’s chances of winning Sabah outright are slim.

“The best-case scenario would be to align with the eventual biggest winner to secure a place in the state administration rather than leading the government itself,” said a division chief.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Bersatu leaders have rejected claims of internal strife.

Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunus, a Bersatu Supreme Council member and Lepar assemblyman, dismissed the allegations as baseless.

“Those are rumours. Everything is harmonious for us, so there’s no infighting as alleged. All leaders are still working with each other.

“We practice mature politics and besides, we are preparing for the upcoming Sabah state election.

“This is clearly an attempt by our enemies to stir trouble since it’s close to election time,” he said.

Similarly, Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker, Bersatu Negeri Sembilan state chairman and Labu assemblyman, insisted that the party remained stable.

“There is definitely no issue within the party. The relationships between our leaders are good.

“After the last party election, we can see that Bersatu has a very strong and solid lineup now, perhaps even better than before,” he said.

However, despite these denials, the division within the party is becoming increasingly apparent.

Many within Bersatu acknowledge the existence of distinct factions, though only those in certain positions are fully aware of the underlying power struggle.

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said the widening rift between Muhyiddin and Hamzah could signal a shift in Bersatu’s leadership.

Azmi said the Sabah state election will be a key opportunity for Muhyiddin and Hamzah to demonstrate their influence, as Bersatu faces an uphill battle against Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.

“Bersatu needs strong alliances in Sabah, and how they strategise will indicate who is really in control,” he added.

For now, the party presents a unified front, but behind the scenes, there’s trouble in paradise. Bersatu remains a party in flux, with its internal power struggle shaping the direction of its future.

Whether it’s just a passing storm or the beginning of a deeper fracture remains to be seen.