Bersatu’s party elections next month are expected to be a proxy war between Hamzah Zainudin and Azmin Ali, with both leaders vying to expand their influence within the party.
A Bersatu insider revealed that the two leaders, originally from Umno and PKR, were aiming to place their proxies or right-hand men in key positions across the party, including the Supreme Council and the ancillary wings.
The fiercest contest between the two factions is seen in the race for the Supreme Council, with 80 candidates competing for the 20 seats available.
“For the youth wing, 45 candidates are vying for 15 seats. A third force is emerging but is unlikely to have a strong impact.
“For Wanita Bersatu, it was initially a contest between Rina Harun, who is aligned with Azmin, and Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, from Hamzah’s camp.
However , Rina withdrew her candidacy , and it now appears that no one from Azmin’s camp is competing for the top spot in the women’s wing.
The source believed that Azmin’s camp was shifting its focus to gaining influence in the youth wing instead.
Azmin’s camp has placed Gombak Setia assemblyman Hilman Idham (to contest for the Bersatu Youth chief’s post), whereas the candidate from Hamzah’s camp is Bersatu Youth permanent chairman Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir.
The results of the party polls will determine who controls the decision-making power in Bersatu, especially in the Supreme Council, he said.
Last Friday, it was confirmed that Muhyiddin Yassin will retain the Bersatu presidency uncontested in the party elections in November.
Hamzah, the current secretary-general, faces no contest for the deputy president’s post. He will replace Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who is vying for one of the three vice-president slots instead.
Faizal faces competition from incumbents Radzi Jidin and Ronald Kiandee, as well as Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Kuang assemblyman Rafiq Abdullah, and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.
Azmin is sitting out this election, with speculation rife that he is set to take over from Hamzah as the new secretary-general.
Source : FMT
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Muhyiddin ‘upset’ over ‘defiance’ by some Supreme Council members
A Bersatu leader has questioned the action of several Supreme Council members in allegedly disregarding party president Muhyiddin Yassin’s orders for the upcoming party elections.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the action by some leaders to contest for the posts of vice-president contradicted a collective decision made during the party’s assembly.
While declining to name those involved, he said all members had agreed to grant Muhyiddin the mandate, which included a proposal that the top five positions should not be contested.
Wan Fayhsal claimed that Muhyiddin is deeply upset and disappointed by those who undermined the agreed-upon compromise plan
This behaviour is irresponsible, as the decision was made together
“It might still be acceptable for those outside the leadership to vie for vice-presidential positions. But, those within the Supreme Council, who initially agreed to support the president’s mandate, should not be contesting.
When such challenges arise, it raises questions whether there is a need to adhere to the president’s mandate.
In July, Muhyiddin was reported to have said that he had been given a mandate by the Supreme Council to negotiate with the leadership to ensure the party elections did not cause divisions.
Muhyiddin’s formula entails himself being at the helm of Bersatu, with Hamzah Zainudin as his deputy, and Ronald Kiandee, Radzi Jidin and Ahmad Faizal Azumu proposed to fill the three vice-president’s posts.
After nominations were finalised last week, both Muhyiddin and Hamzah won uncontested, while six candidates were named to contest the three vice-president’s posts – Kiandee, Radzi, Faizal, Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Selangor Bersatu deputy chairman Rafiq Abdullah and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.
Wan Fayhsal, who is also the Machang MP, said this places Muhyiddin in a difficult position and reflects poorly on the party.
The breach of the decisions made by those who took part in making them is detrimental to the party.
Still time to withdraw
Wan Fayhsal said the candidates, including Supreme Council members contesting for the vice-president’s posts, have the option to withdraw before the party elections on Nov 2 to demonstrate their commitment to Muhyiddin’s formula.
He said many young leaders, including himself and Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, had intended to vie for the vice-presidential roles, but withdrew in accordance with Muhyiddin’s directive.
He also said the democratic process surrounding the party elections is still alive and well for Bersatu, despite Muhyiddin’s plan.
Competition still exists, although it is more organised and guided by the advice and direction provided by the president.
Source : FMT
MACC seizes RM5m after raiding safe house of prominent Selangor politician currently probed over corruption involving sand mining concession
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has reportedly seized around RM5 million from a safe house linked to a prominent politician currently investigated for corruption.
Sinar Harian cited an anonymous MACC source saying that following an arrest of two suspects in a sand mining concession case, one of them revealed a location where the alleged criminal proceeds were being stored.
A raid last night found around S$1,529,000 (RM5 million), said to be used by the politician for their political campaigns.
“The money has been seized by the MACC for further investigation,” the source was quoted saying.
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