Wan Fayhsal Withdraws Bersatu Appeal, Cites Governance Concerns & Party Purge

Kuala Lumpur – February 18, 2026 – Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, a Member of Parliament representing the Machang constituency, has withdrawn his appeal against his suspension from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), citing a loss of confidence in the party’s leadership and governance. The move comes amidst a deepening internal crisis within the party, marked by a series of expulsions and accusations of a power struggle.

In a letter dated February 16, 2026, addressed to Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, chairperson of the Bersatu Appeals Board, Wan Fayhsal stated his decision not to pursue further appeals. He acknowledged the professionalism of the Appeals Board in handling his case, but indicated that his assessment of the party’s trajectory led him to this conclusion. The letter was subsequently shared on his Facebook page.

“While I appreciate the efforts of the Appeals Board in listening and allowing due process in accordance with principles of natural justice, I will not pursue any further appeals,” Wan Fayhsal wrote. He added that his decision stemmed from a belief that Bersatu has deviated from its founding objectives and exhibits weaknesses in good governance.

Wan Fayhsal was initially suspended for one term in October of last year. He is now among seventeen party members recently expelled by Bersatu’s disciplinary board, a move he characterized as a “mass purge.” Among those also expelled are former supreme council members Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, both of whom had previously withdrawn their own appeals against disciplinary action.

The expulsions are widely understood to be linked to an escalating internal conflict between Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and deputy Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. This dispute has fueled months of factional tensions within the party, culminating in the recent disciplinary actions. Many of those targeted by the expulsions are perceived as being aligned with Hamzah.

The situation reached a critical point last week when Bersatu’s disciplinary board expelled Hamzah Zainudin from the party, accusing him of violating the party constitution under Clause 9.1.4 and stripping him of his membership rights. While Hamzah has the right to appeal the decision within fourteen days, the expulsion represents a significant setback for the former deputy president and current Opposition Leader.

The internal strife within Bersatu has been brewing for some time. During the party’s annual general meeting in September of last year, several delegates openly called for Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation, sparking speculation about a potential challenge to his leadership through statutory declarations. These tensions now appear to have reached a breaking point, resulting in the recent wave of expulsions and Wan Fayhsal’s decision to withdraw his appeal.

Bersatu, officially known as the Malaysian United Indigenous Party, was founded in September 2016 as a breakaway faction from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). The party’s ideology has historically centered on Ketuanan Melayu – a concept advocating for the special position of Malays – alongside social conservatism and, at times, elements of Islamism. It has shifted political allegiances over the years, initially aligning with the Pakatan Harapan coalition from 2017 to 2020, before joining the Perikatan Nasional coalition in 2020. More recently, it has also formed an alliance with Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat, beginning in 2025.

The current crisis within Bersatu raises questions about the future stability of the party and its role within the Malaysian political landscape. The expulsions and Wan Fayhsal’s withdrawal of his appeal signal a deepening rift that could have significant implications for the country’s political dynamics. The party currently holds 19 seats in the Dewan Rakyat (the lower house of Parliament) and 56 seats in state legislative assemblies.

Wan Fayhsal concluded his letter by expressing a sense of relief and peace with his decision, and extended his gratitude to the Appeals Board for ensuring a fair process. He also offered his prayers for the board’s continued adherence to principles of justice.