Muhyiddin not defending Bersatu presidency

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin says he will not be defending his presidency in the upcoming party election.

"This will be my last general assembly as president," he said at the Bersatu annual general assembly at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), here, today.

He said the decision was to provide space and opportunity for other emerging leaders to lead the party.

Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman suggested that the party's top leadership have a meeting to identify suitable figures to continue Bersatu's struggle.

He emphasised that this step was crucial to ensure the party's strength was harnessed more effectively in the future.

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the leadership and members of the party if I had made any mistakes or errors during my tenure as the party president," he said.

Muhyiddin advised the future leaders to take good care of the party.

Meanwhile, almost all the representatives in the hall stood up upon hearing Muhyiddin's surprising announcement.

People were heard saying 'no' and 'tarik balik' (take it back), expressing their disagreement over Muhyiddin's resignation.

The representatives present also urged the Pagoh MP to reconsider his decision.

Muhyiddin has been leading Bersatu since Jan 14, 2017, right after the party's registration in August 2016 was approved.

He became the party's president while former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the chairman at that time.

Bersatu was formed by Muhyiddin and several other Umno leaders after being expelled from the party (Umno).