KUALA LUMPUR – A growing “culture of fear” within Bersatu is said to be stifling the freedom of leaders and members to speak out, particularly on state leadership issues and the party’s leadership transition plan.
Speaking to Scoop, a party insider claimed that the pressure comes from individuals appointed to strategic positions by the party president, who allegedly use their roles to intimidate and silence others who dare to criticise or express differing views.
“There is definitely a worsening ‘culture of fear’ in Bersatu right now.
“It stems from a handful of individuals who are politically weak and depend entirely on their appointed positions by the party president to stay relevant.
“They use these appointments – and the president’s name – to stop others from speaking out.
“If anyone talks about the party, these individuals will confront them aggressively, issuing all sorts of warnings. As a result, many members are forced to speak to the media anonymously.
“If their identities are revealed, they risk being sidelined or even threatened with being dropped as candidates in future elections,” the source said.
The situation has reportedly become more tense following the leadership crisis in Perak involving Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“For example, in the Perak leadership issue involving Peja (Ahmad Faizal), sources revealed that statutory declarations (SDs) had been submitted.
“Do these SDs exist? Yes. But before the matter could be brought to the Supreme Leadership Council (MPT), a small group of division chiefs who wanted to defend Faizal denied their existence.
“It’s understood that more than 40 SDs were signed by division chiefs and wing leaders from Armada and Srikandi, calling for Faizal to be replaced as the head of Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Perak.
“Now that the issue is gaining media attention, it’s hoped the party leadership will act quickly. But unfortunately, there’s been no follow-up,” the source added.
According to the source, many Bersatu leaders in Perak want someone serious to lead the party into elections – not someone they described as a “clown” who sows discord and sabotages his political rivals.
“He (Faizal) has failed as a leader at every level,” the source said.
The same source added that this ‘culture of fear’ is also being used by certain party figures to suppress serious discussions, including on the leadership transition plan proposed by President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in July last year.
“They’re using this ‘culture of fear’ to silence many leaders who have questioned the decision made last year by the president regarding the transition.
“Many in the party agree there’s a need to implement the leadership change as outlined in the president’s July announcement.
“The promise was made, but no one dares to speak openly now because this culture of fear has intensified. Some have even been threatened not to bring it up.
The source then said that as a result, issues like these are “paralysing” the party machinery – “because the leadership refuses to listen to feedback”. – May 9, 2025