KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah Bersatu has openly called for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step down as president of the party and chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), blaming the significant loss in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN) on the president’s leadership shortcomings.
The call was made by Bersatu Sabah Secretary, Yunus Nurdin, alongside several divisional leaders and PN candidates.
Yunus claimed that while the Bersatu Sabah machinery was intensively preparing for the election, the party faced internal disruptions, including disciplinary actions and the dismissal of leaders and members who criticised Muhyiddin. He further alleged that the party had failed to provide any financial support for the 33 Bersatu candidates in the election.
“The lack of financial backing made things difficult. Some candidates had to pawn their cars, homes, and personal assets just to run in this election. We are now burdened with debt because of this. The failure of Bersatu Sabah, in my view, is deeply embarrassing,” he said, according to Bernama.
Yunus made these remarks during a press conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, today.
In the 17th Sabah PRN, PN contested in 42 seats but won only one, with Dr Aliakhbar Gulasan of PAS securing the Karambunai seat under the PN banner.
Yunus also claimed that 20 out of 24 Bersatu divisions in Sabah supported the call for Muhyiddin’s resignation. He and his supporters are prepared to resign collectively if the party takes unfair action against them.
“We never thought about leaving Bersatu because we have built this party in Sabah with our own efforts and finances. Why should we leave? It is the weak leaders who should resign and make way for someone better,” he added.
Yunus also mentioned that he had been unable to contact Bersatu Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee and urged him to step forward to help resolve the situation. – December 3, 2025