Kuala Lumpur – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), a key component of Malaysia’s ruling coalition, has regained control of its official Facebook account after a nearly fifteen-hour breach that saw unauthorized posts attacking party president Muhyiddin Yassin and promoting a rival figure. The incident, which unfolded on and , highlights internal tensions within the party following a recent leadership dispute.
According to a statement released by Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid, the party first detected the unauthorized posts at on . Full access to the account was restored at on . During the period of the breach, a total of 21 posts were uploaded by an individual identified as one of the account’s administrators.
The posts reportedly focused on bolstering the image of Hamzah Zainudin, who was recently removed from his position as Bersatu’s deputy president, while simultaneously criticizing Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership. The timing of the incident coincides with the fallout from Hamzah’s dismissal on , and the subsequent fracturing of support within the party. One post, widely reported, questioned Muhyiddin’s ability to manage even a basic social media account, a pointed jab at his overall leadership capabilities.
Harris Idaham Rashid confirmed that the administrator responsible for the unauthorized posts has been removed from the account, and control has been returned to authorized party officials. He described the incident as evidence of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and “enemies within” the party, suggesting a deliberate act of sabotage orchestrated by disgruntled members. “Armada Bersatu Malaysia is grateful to have played a crucial role together with several other individuals in this small operation for the sake of the party’s interests and survival,” Rashid stated.
The Malaysian United Indigenous Party, commonly known as Bersatu, was founded in as a breakaway faction from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the dominant party in Malaysian politics for decades. Initially positioned as a vehicle for Mahathir Mohamad’s challenge to then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, Bersatu has undergone several shifts in political alignment. It was a key member of the Pakatan Harapan coalition that won the general election, bringing an end to UMNO’s long rule. However, the coalition collapsed in , leading to Muhyiddin Yassin’s appointment as Prime Minister at the head of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Currently, Bersatu remains a part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition and has recently formed an alliance with Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat, further solidifying its position within the Malaysian political landscape. The party’s ideology is rooted in Malay nationalism and social conservatism, though internal factions exhibit varying degrees of religious and political leanings.
The Facebook account breach is not an isolated incident. The incident follows a pattern of escalating tensions within Bersatu, triggered by Hamzah Zainudin’s removal and the subsequent dismissal of 16 other party members. The internal strife raises questions about the stability of the party and its potential impact on the broader Perikatan Nasional coalition. The removal of key figures like Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Azahari Hasan, and Fathul Huzir Ayob alongside Hamzah Zainudin signals a clear effort by Muhyiddin Yassin to consolidate his control over the party.
The incident also underscores the growing importance of social media as a battleground for political maneuvering in Malaysia. Control of online platforms can be crucial for shaping public opinion and mobilizing support, particularly in a country with a high rate of social media penetration. The fact that the attack was carried out by someone with administrative access to the official Facebook page suggests a level of insider knowledge and a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s leadership.
While the party has regained control of its Facebook account, the underlying issues that led to the breach remain unresolved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political alliances and the potential for internal divisions to disrupt even the most established parties. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Muhyiddin Yassin can successfully navigate these challenges and maintain Bersatu’s position within the Malaysian political system. The police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and Meta have all been notified of the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
