KUALA LUMPUR – Muhyiddin Yassin’s surprise resignation as Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman has been hailed as a “masterstroke no one saw coming”, with Bersatu founding member Datuk Seri Redzuan Md Yusof describing it as a calculated manoeuvre that stunned both allies and critics.
Redzuan dismissed claims the former prime minister was reacting to political turmoil in Perlis, insisting instead that Muhyiddin had long been working to a broader plan.
“By stepping down as PN chairman, Muhyiddin prevented the Perlis crisis from becoming a national issue. At the same time, he has neutralised attempts by ‘mutineers’ trying to unseat him as Bersatu president. And he did all this with a stroke of a pen,” Redzuan added in a statement to FMT.
He rejected suggestions from PAS leaders that the move was reckless, arguing instead that it freed Muhyiddin to focus on strengthening Bersatu while leaving PAS to shoulder the responsibility of leading PN.
Redzuan, a former Alor Gajah MP, said the task of winning over non-Malay voters now rests squarely on PAS. Without Muhyiddin or Azmin Ali at the helm, he warned, PN risks being confined to opposition benches for another term.
His remarks echoed concerns by Urimai’s P Ramasamy, who said non-Malay voters view PAS as extremist and would only be reassured by moderate figures like Muhyiddin and Azmin.
Redzuan added that the fallout in Perlis has exposed PN’s internal rifts, which PAS must now manage without Muhyiddin’s “steadying hand”.
Muhyiddin, whose resignation took effect on Jan 1, defended his decision in a New Year message, stressing he remains firmly in charge of Bersatu and committed to keeping the party a loyal PN partner. – January 3, 2026