SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was left “disappointed and embarrassed” following a commotion during his keynote speech at the party’s 8th Annual General Assembly last night, according to Armada chief Muhammad Hilman Idham.
Hilman revealed that Muhyiddin personally conveyed his feelings in the party’s Supreme Leadership Council WhatsApp group shortly after the incident.
“Tan Sri Muhyiddin said yesterday’s incident was very embarrassing. We have let him down,” Hilman said in his winding-up speech on the final day of the assembly at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), Shah Alam.
Disruption Tarnished Party’s Image
Hilman described the incident – where a group of delegates shouted provocations and called for Muhyiddin to resign – as a stain on Bersatu’s reputation.
“What happened last night cannot be denied. The media witnessed everything. We have a responsibility because our family name has been tarnished. Therefore, we must continue to defend Bersatu’s good name,” he added.
The Armada chief also admitted to being personally shaken by the humiliation faced by Muhyiddin, saying he was overcome with sadness after witnessing the president’s reaction.
The commotion erupted when a small group of delegates loudly demanded Muhyiddin step down, claiming signatures were being collected to remove him. Party officials moved swiftly to calm the situation and escorted the group out of the hall.
Despite the disruption, the majority of delegates later rallied behind Muhyiddin, chanting “Hidup Tan Sri” (“Long Live Tan Sri”) in a show of loyalty to his leadership.
Deeper Signs of Internal Strain
The rare public dissent within Bersatu underscores simmering frustrations over the party’s direction and Muhyiddin’s leadership. While the former prime minister remains a prominent figure in Perikatan Nasional (PN), his position has come under scrutiny as the coalition struggles to expand its influence beyond its Malay-Muslim support base.
For some delegates, Muhyiddin’s leadership is seen as steady but stagnant. Bersatu’s declining representation in Parliament and its inability to mount a serious challenge to the ruling coalition in recent by-elections have intensified calls for renewal.
At the same time, Muhyiddin still commands significant loyalty among party veterans and grassroots leaders, many of whom view him as the unifying figure who steered Bersatu through turbulent times, including the 2020–2021 political crisis.
Implications for PN’s Stability
The incident also raises questions about PN’s overall cohesion. As Bersatu grapples with internal divisions, its ally PAS continues to consolidate influence among conservative Malay voters, potentially altering the power balance within the coalition.
For PN to remain competitive in the national political landscape, Bersatu must project stability and discipline. Any perception of disunity could weaken its bargaining power against the ruling Madani government, especially ahead of crucial state elections.
Outlook for Muhyiddin
For now, Muhyiddin retains the backing of the majority of Bersatu delegates, as demonstrated by the overwhelming show of support that followed the disruption. However, the episode serves as a warning: internal dissent is real, and the pressure for leadership renewal is growing louder.
If Muhyiddin cannot reinvigorate the party and expand PN’s appeal beyond its current base, Bersatu risks being sidelined in Malaysia’s shifting political landscape.
-Agency