PETALING JAYA – A power struggle within Malaysia’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is intensifying, with the party taking steps to consolidate control under President Muhyiddin Yassin and potentially facing a backlash that could weaken its position within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. The recent expulsion of Deputy President Hamzah Zainudin and 16 other party leaders has triggered warnings of further division and even the possibility of a new political formation.
Bersatu Secretary-General Azmin Ali announced on that Hamzah and the others were removed by the party’s disciplinary council for violating party rules. The move follows a period of escalating tension between Muhyiddin and Hamzah, with Hamzah openly criticizing the president after his dismissal. According to reports, Hamzah had labelled Muhyiddin his “number one enemy” following a long history of support. The disciplinary action was taken under Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution, which concerns compliance with party regulations and ethical conduct.
The fallout extends beyond the immediate expulsions. Azmin Ali has indicated the party is gathering information on a gathering held on attended by Hamzah, suggesting a potential crackdown on those continuing to align themselves with the ousted deputy president. He warned party members against participating in meetings organized by expelled members, stating that such actions could be considered a violation of the party constitution and lead to further disciplinary measures. Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, the Wanita Bersatu chief who also attended the gathering, has reportedly been removed from the party’s Supreme Council WhatsApp group.
Analysts warn that this hardline approach could be counterproductive. Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting suggests that pursuing action against supporters of Hamzah could lead to a loss of grassroots support, which is vital for Bersatu’s survival. He drew a parallel to the 1998 Reformasi movement, sparked by the dismissal of Anwar Ibrahim, suggesting that mass sackings could galvanize opposition and create a more vocal alternative movement.
Zaharuddin also argued that the threats issued by Azmin expose weaknesses in the leadership, creating the impression that the party relies on fear rather than public support. “Such threats will erode confidence in the party and Bersatu will come off as an authoritarian party that does not tolerate dissenting views,” he said.
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia echoed these concerns, stating that the threats and expulsions are unlikely to reduce tension within the party. Instead, he predicts an exodus of members, further weakening Bersatu. He also anticipates that Hamzah may form a new party to accommodate his supporters, potentially fragmenting the opposition landscape.
The situation raises questions about the stability of the Perikatan Nasional coalition, which Bersatu is a key component of, alongside PAS. While Azmin Ali has stated there is “no question of PAS leaving Perikatan,” the internal turmoil within Bersatu could create strains within the alliance. The dismissal of Hamzah, a prominent figure within the coalition, and the potential for further defections could alter the balance of power within PN.
The expulsion of Hamzah Zainudin and three other lawmakers – Fathul Huzir Ayob, Azahari Hasan, and Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal – leaves Bersatu with 20 seats in the Dewan Rakyat, the Malaysian Parliament’s lower house. The party had previously held 31 seats after the 2022 general election, but has seen its representation dwindle due to previous expulsions and defections. The loss of seats further diminishes Bersatu’s influence and bargaining power within the political system.
The current crisis within Bersatu highlights the challenges faced by political parties in Malaysia as they navigate internal power struggles and shifting alliances. The outcome of this conflict will likely have significant implications for the future of Bersatu, the Perikatan Nasional coalition, and the broader Malaysian political landscape. The party’s ability to manage the fallout from these expulsions and rebuild its internal cohesion will be crucial in determining its long-term viability.
Muhyiddin Yassin has been granted full mandate by the party to decide on the position of Opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, a key role that Hamzah previously held. This decision underscores Muhyiddin’s consolidation of power and his determination to assert control over the party’s direction.