SHAH ALAM - The coffee shop chatter within Bersatu is reaching a fever pitch, with names like Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu frequently mentioned.
Bersatu Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah has added fuel to the fire, suggesting that a little healthy speculation can be a good thing, as long as it doesn't turn into a mudslinging match.
He offered his take on the informal debates among party supporters, emphasising that while members were welcome to discuss their preferred leaders, these conversations should remain constructive and steer clear of negativity.
"As leaders, all of us in the Supreme Council followed exactly what was going on, whether it was gossip in coffee shops or formal input from members.
"Everyone had their aspirations, and it was only natural for people to have preferences.
"So, healthy gossip is good as long as there is no backbiting or mudslinging," Saifuddin told Sinar Daily during an exclusive interview at Dewan Rakyat recently.
He also affirmed that such preferences were expected in a democratic party like Bersatu.
"You cannot stop that from happening, and we did not want to discourage anyone from speaking up as long as it did not turn into backbiting or character assassination,” he added.
In his role as a senior leader, Saifuddin proposed a succession plan to the Supreme Council to promote clarity and continuity within Bersatu.
According to him, the plan received unanimous support from the council, with members agreeing that an organised transition could foster unity.
"The Supreme Council gave Bersatu chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin a full mandate to oversee this, recognising that we had several iconic leaders, and we needed each one of them. None should be marginalised," he said.
The succession plan prioritised an inclusive leadership structure, with key figures like Azmin, Faizal Azumu, and Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin considered for prominent roles.
"I said in the Supreme Council meeting that we needed all three—Faizal Azumu, Hamzah, and Azmin—to be a part of the team.
"It was about finding a way to create a leadership team that allowed for everyone’s unique strengths," the Indera Mahkota MP said.
He also pointed out that while the party president could propose roles, democratic elections remained essential.
"The deputy president role could only go to one person, so although Faizal Azumu, Hamzah, and Azmin were each strong candidates, there needed to be a fair process.
"It was democratic, and this ensured members had a voice. You could not just pick and choose, which was why we needed a transparent election," he said.
In a recent Supreme Council meeting, Saifuddin stated that Muhyiddin had consulted most senior leaders, including himself, to discuss the structure of the proposed transition.
He acknowledged that Faizal Azumu, who had volunteered to step down as Deputy President, was key to facilitating a smooth shift.
At Bersatu’s general assembly on July 13, Muhyiddin publicly announced the succession proposal: Hamzah would take on the Deputy President role, Faizal Azumu would transition to Vice President, and Azmin would be appointed as Secretary-General.
"This plan ensured that everyone’s contributions were respected, and no one was left out.
"It was a strategic succession plan that upheld unity and reinforced Bersatu’s values," he added.
As Bersatu prepared for its internal elections, Saifuddin believed this approach would maintain cohesion and transparency, qualities he considered central to Bersatu’s vision.