Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia’s ex-prime minister and current leader of the Bersatu party, declared on Friday his intention to resign as the party’s president next year. This decision raises uncertainties about the future leadership of the Malay-dominated opposition alliance, Perikatan Nasional (PN), chaired by Muhyiddin since its formation in 2016.
The move could potentially impact the PN’s standing, as Muhyiddin has been a leader with broad appeal, particularly within the conservative Islamist party, a crucial component of the opposition alliance. Political analyst Bridget Welsh warns that Muhyiddin’s departure may lead to infighting and a loss of the electoral advantage Bersatu had gained in recent elections.
Muhyiddin played a significant role in the PN’s success having led Malaysia for 17 months from 2020 to 2021 in last year’s general election and subsequent regional polls in August. The PN, under Muhyiddin’s leadership, appealed to traditional Malays and young voters, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s progressive, multi-ethnic alliance drew support from minorities and urban Malays. With Malaysia’s diverse population, comprising over 60% ethnic-Malay Muslims along with sizable Indian and Chinese minorities, the dynamics of party leadership changes are crucial.
Muhyiddin, addressing his party during Bersatu’s annual meeting, announced his decision not to contest the party president position in the upcoming internal leadership elections. He emphasized the need to pass on the party leadership to a new team of leaders. According to political analyst Bridget Welsh, Bersatu’s secretary-general, Hamzah Zainuddin, is likely to emerge as the next president of the party.
