SHAH ALAM - The election process for Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), now in its eighth year, was initially scheduled for 2023 but Bersatu decided to postpone it for 18 months to focus on the state election campaign for six states last year.
Despite Bersatu's impressive results in the 15th General Election (GE15), securing 31 parliamentary seats and 60 state assembly seats in collaboration with Perikatan Nasional (PN), questions arose about the status of its President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and whether he would remain the party's leader.
At last year's annual general meeting, Bersatu delegates unanimously agreed to keep the PN Chairman in the role of President for another term.
However, recent speculations suggest that some individuals aspire to take over the top position from Muhyiddin in the upcoming party election, expected to be held this September.
Certain leaders are allegedly using the Bersatu election process to position themselves as president, aiming to increase their potential as PN's Prime Minister candidate for the 16th General Election (GE16).
The rumours of Muhyiddin potentially being challenged have gained traction, with more Bersatu leaders questioning the transparency of the election process and the constitutional clauses that set eligibility criteria for the top five positions.
For instance, some have challenged Clause 13.7 of Bersatu's Constitution, which stipulates that candidates for the positions of president, deputy president and three vice presidents must have held a position as a member of the Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) or a Bersatu division chief for two full terms.
Given that Bersatu has only existed for three terms, not many leaders meet the eligibility criteria. Consequently, some claim that the Bersatu election process is closed, rigid and authoritarian, allegedly limiting opportunities for new potential leaders to contest for the highest positions.
DEMOCRATIC NATURE
However, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has addressed misconceptions regarding the party's election process, emphasising its democratic nature.
"This group has misinterpreted Clauses 13.6, 13.7, and 13.8 of Bersatu's constitution without reading them together with Clause 14.14.
"Clause 14.14 clearly states that the MPT (Supreme Leadership Council) has the authority to waive the eligibility requirements under Clauses 13.6, 13.7, and 13.8 to allow any candidate to contest for Top 5 positions, division chiefs, and party wing leaders.
"Therefore, any leader who does not meet the eligibility criteria under Clauses 13.6, 13.7, and 13.8 can actually submit a written application to the MPT for a waiver to contest," the former Perak Menteri Besar told Sinar Premium on Wednesday.
Faizal also rejected the view that only six Bersatu representatives meet the eligibility requirements to contest for Top 5 positions if Clause 13.7 is not interpreted in conjunction with Clause 14.14.
He said that many Bersatu Members of Parliament and state assemblymen meet the criteria of holding MPT and division chief positions for two full terms.
"The number of eligible candidates would increase if those previously considered not meeting the basic eligibility requirements submit a written application to the MPT and are granted a waiver to contest.
"MPT must conduct an initial screening to determine the merit, contributions, or potential contributions of the candidates before allowing them to contest for top five positions," he added.
PARTY IMAGE
Faizal said the eligibility criteria are intended to prevent an influx of members vying for key positions and to avoid issues that could tarnish the party's image if the elections are not taken seriously.
"We do not allow those who have only been members for a short time, who are not yet familiar with or recognised by the party, to run for office," he said.
Addressing concerns that Bersatu lawmakers might not be given the flexibility to contest important positions,
Faizal clarified that the party does not obstruct any leader from assuming major roles. However, he emphasised that being a lawmaker does not guarantee a party position.
"Each member has their own role. Sometimes, division heads or wing leaders allow ordinary members to become election candidates.
"When successful, lawmakers and division leaders must work together to serve the people, not compete with each other.
"In any case, they have the right to contest according to the party's constitution. They can nominate themselves as long as their actions are for the strength of the party and not for personal gain," he added.
Faizal also expressed confidence that all Bersatu leaders would respect the resolution made by Bersatu representatives at last year's AGM not to challenge Muhyiddin's nomination to remain as president for another term.
"I am grateful that all top leaders have expressed their support for the President and will only run with his blessing. It would be inappropriate for any leader who previously lamented and rejected Muhyiddin's initial decision to step down to then challenge him for the top party position or act without his endorsement.
"I believe that if any leader shows such two-faced behaviour, Bersatu members should reject them as they may betray the party," he added.
QUALIFICATIONS
Meanwhile, MPT Member Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah revealed that more than 20 Bersatu MPs have been identified as eligible to contest for the top five positions based on the qualification criteria of being a member of MPT or Division Chief for two full terms.
Among the Division Chiefs who qualify to contest for the top five positions are Lumut MP Commander (B) Nordin Ahmad Ismail, Padang Rengas MP Azahari Hassan, Sungai Kandis Assemblyman Wan Dzahanurin Ahmad, Morib Assemblyman Rosmizan Ahmad, Bayu Assemblyman Mohd Taufiq Yaacob and himself as the Kuang Assemblyman.
"For those who do not meet the qualification criteria, they can submit a written application to the MPT, and the party's highest body will make a decision based on discretion. So, why should this issue be politicised by certain parties?" he said.