Looming Bersatu Agm Test Of Party S Strength Say Analysts

---

 


As the Bersatu annual general assembly (AGM) approaches this weekend, information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said it will be a crucial platform to strengthen the party’s image as an alternative to the current government.
Political observers, however, view this year’s AGM as a litmus test for Bersatu’s relevance in an increasingly competitive Malay-Muslim political landscape.
Jamaie Hamil of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia outlined three challenges for Bersatu.
First, convincing members and the public that Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin remains relevant amid speculation about his health and party infighting.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin YassinSecond, maintaining Bersatu’s position as Perikatan Nasional’s core party, especially with PAS holding more parliamentary seats and eyeing its own prime ministerial candidate.
Third, addressing alleged “internal brokers” within the party.
Jamaie warned that if decisions made at the AGM alienate PAS, Bersatu risks collapse ahead of GE16.
The academic is referring to allegations that party deputy president Hamzah Zainudin is a driving force behind an internal faction seeking to oust Muhyiddin.
Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin Azlan of Universiti Teknologi Mara described the assembly as Bersatu’s last chance to craft a compelling alternative narrative.
Without fresh ideas, he said, the party risks relying solely on public dissatisfaction with the current government.
Focus on cost of living, economy
Meanwhile, Tun Faisal said Muhyiddin’s keynote speech at the AGM is expected to reflect the party’s determination to reinforce unity within its ranks and across the opposition coalition in preparation for the upcoming Sabah election and the 16th general election (GE16).
Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz“The president’s speech will certainly stress the importance of unity, solidarity, and action, whether within the party, alongside PN, or in echoing the people’s protest against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government.
“It will also lay the foundation for success, not only in the Sabah election and GE16, but also in correcting the failures of today’s government and restoring Malaysia to the right path,” Tun Faisal told Malaysiakini.
He expects Muhyiddin to focus on cost-of-living pressures, the government’s economic mismanagement, and shortcomings in tariff negotiations with the United States.
Rejecting the notion that the opposition only criticises, he stressed Muhyiddin would present solutions, drawing on Bersatu and PN’s track record during the Covid-19 crisis.
Recalling Bersatu’s founding, Tun Faisal said it was born of the struggle against kleptocracy, a principle that must not be forgotten.
He contrasted Bersatu’s values with Umno, now part of the federal coalition government, which he described as corrupt and betraying voters.
The AGM is scheduled for Sept 6 and 7 at the IDCC Convention Centre, Shah Alam, with about 2,555 delegates from 202 divisions nationwide expected to attend. - Mkini

---