SHAH ALAM - Reaching its eighth year since its establishment, the top leadership election of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has become a focal point for over 600,000 members and the entire nation.
Emerging from the remnants of Umno, Bersatu quickly positioned itself as a governing party, aligning with Pakatan Harapan 1.0 and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
It has now become the second dominant Malay party, alongside its coalition partner, Pas.
The upcoming party election has generated significant attention, particularly as it will determine the holders of several top positions.
Among the highly contested roles are Vice President, Armada Chief, and Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) member.
In an interesting development, Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who won uncontested, proposed a 'compromise plan' approved by the MPT, aimed at preventing internal party divisions.
This plan involves the Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, taking the position of Deputy President; Selangor Bersatu Leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, as Secretary General; and the current Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, also known as Peja, as Vice President.
However, some political observers remain skeptical about whether the compromise plan will resolve the two main factions—Hamzah's and Azmin's—competing for key leadership positions.
Some insiders have even speculated that Ahmad Faizal, who is currently not an elected representative, may become a 'sacrificial victim' in the fierce competition between Hamzah and Azmin.
It has been suggested that both factions have placed proxies in the Vice President race, led by incumbents Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
Fathul Huzir Ayob, a Bersatu MPT candidate, believes the leadership transition plan proposed by Muhyiddin is a way to appreciate Peja’s long-standing contributions to the party.
He also highlighted that Peja should be prioritised by delegates, given his close working relationship with Muhyiddin.
Incumbent Bersatu MPT member Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan echoed these sentiments, stating that Muhyiddin's leadership replacement plan ensures that the election process will not become too heated.
He stated that the party should focus on winning elections by building a solid team.
"That is why, even though I had previously considered running for the Vice President post, I changed my stance as soon as the President (Muhyiddin) announced,” Wan Saiful said.
Although speculation continues about who will secure the top posts of Vice President, MPT, and Armada Chief, Fathul Huzir stressed the importance of prioritising candidates who are elected representatives, whether in Dewan Rakyat or State Legislative Assemblies.
He argued that elected representatives are better positioned to implement party policies and decisions at the highest levels of government.
However, not all party members agree. Wan Saiful and Vice President candidate Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah argued that being an elected representative does not automatically make someone a suitable leader for the party.
They revealed that Bersatu delegates should prioritise leaders who consistently serve the people and the party rather than those who are only active during campaign seasons.
"The most important thing is for Bersatu delegates to choose leaders who consistently serve the people and the party all the time, not just those who are 'hyperactive' during campaign season and elections,” stressed Wan Saiful.
Mohd Rafiq, who is also the Bersatu Selangor deputy leader, argued that there is no use in being an elected representative if their presence and service are not felt by the grassroots and the people.
Reflecting on the upcoming Bersatu election on Oct 26 and Nov 2, Fathul Huzir admitted that factional leadership slates may continue to play a role. However, he expressed confidence that these slates would not significantly influence the delegates' decisions, as they are focused on electing leaders who will guide Bersatu’s future.
He added that Bersatu delegates are looking for significant changes in the party’s leadership, prioritising experienced, wise, young, and fresh leaders who can attract grassroots support and voter confidence.
This is crucial for Bersatu’s continued success, leading PN and retaining the Prime Minister candidate spot for the 16th General Election (GE16).