SHAH ALAM – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remains crucial to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) as he is the "glue" that holds the party together, according to Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq, who is vying for a Supreme Council post in the party’s upcoming election.
Khaliq stated that Muhyiddin’s wisdom and leadership are needed now more than ever to steer the party forward.
Addressing critics who argue that Muhyiddin is no longer relevant after stepping down from his role as Prime Minister, Khaliq disagreed, stating that the opposite is true.
"He is a very experienced leader, politician, and a former Prime Minister. With his knowledge, experience, and drive, we need him more than ever," he told Sinar Daily during an exclusive interview.
The former Bertam assemblyman described Muhyiddin as a strong factor in Bersatu, dubbing him the "President of Steel" who continues to unite the party. He believes the Pagoh MP knows what is best for the party and its future.
"We are all united under his secure position, which he won uncontested," Khaliq said, noting that Muhyiddin also serves as the chairman of Perikatan Nasional, the opposition coalition.
Khaliq further emphasised that there was no internal rivalry between Bersatu's Selangor Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Bersatu’s Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, countering rumors of a political divide.
"I believe there is no friction; we are all still united. Although we are in election mode within the party, there is no such thing as campaigns against two individuals. We are fighting for posts based on merit," he said.
Khaliq dismissed speculations of a "proxy war" between Azmin and Hamzah, previously from Umno and PKR respectively, over key leadership positions in Bersatu and its wings ahead of the upcoming elections.
Khaliq is one of 80 candidates vying for seats on the Supreme Council, where only 20 will be elected. When asked if he favored any candidates to win alongside him, he refrained from naming anyone, emphasising that competence and drive should define leadership within the party.