KUALA LUMPUR – Tensions within Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) have intensified, with party vice-president Ronald Kiandee publicly calling for President Muhyiddin Yassin to step down.
This latest development exposes growing internal divisions and pressure on the party’s leadership.
Kiandee said that Muhyiddin had failed to manage the party’s ongoing crisis, allowing it to escalate to a point where recovery now seems unattainable.
“Worse still,” he continued, “Muhyiddin is using his remaining political capital to cling to the presidency, driven by personal ambitions to return as prime minister. This includes sidelining Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from any future leadership role within the party.”
Ronald criticised the actions of the Bersatu Disciplinary Board (LD), particularly its decision to bring Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to court over both new and old charges. He described this as a regressive move that contradicted efforts to fortify the party ahead of the upcoming elections.
He further expressed concern over the board’s targeting of Division Chiefs, elected representatives, Members of Parliament, and State Assemblymen who support Hamzah, accusing the LD of abusing its disciplinary procedures to silence key party voices.
The situation highlights a broader trend within the party, with multiple Bersatu MPs having faced disciplinary actions, including sacking or suspension, since last year.
The most recent case involved the expulsion of Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah for breaching Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution.
Prior to that, in October, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal was suspended for one term, and Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, along with four division chiefs, were expelled over similar breaches.
In December, tensions flared between Bersatu and PAS over the resignation of Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, with Bersatu accused of sabotaging PAS.
However, Muhyiddin denied any involvement, asserting, “Neither I nor the party was involved in this matter. Many parties in Perlis have acknowledged that we were not involved.”
These recent events have left Bersatu in disarray, with critics claiming the party is more focused on protecting Muhyiddin and his supporters than fostering trust and unity within the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
“To restore Bersatu’s true strength, including reinforcing strategic relationships with Perikatan Nasional’s component parties, it is time for Muhyiddin Yassin to consider stepping down as president,” Kiandee said.
“I believe a leader with a big heart like Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will recognise the noble intentions behind this statement, which is in line with his own stance in 2008 against the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.” – February 10, 2026