Will Hamza take over Bersatu’s top post?

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu secretary-general Hamza Zainuddin is believed to be one of the main candidates for the party’s top post if Muhyiddin Yassin decides not to contest the next election.

Bersatu officials said Muhyiddin had long ago informed party leaders of his intention to stay on the back burner.

“He will probably skip the polls and become an advisor to the party,” the official said, adding that Hamza has strong support from Bersatu members to lead the party.

The person also said Bersatu vice-chairman Ahmad Faisal Azm is expected to retain the number two post as he does not have enough influence to challenge Hamza.

“Mr Faisal, who previously led the Perikatan National Branch in Negeri Sembilan, has been affected by his reputation within the party and competing for the top position could backfire.

“In comparison, Mr. Hamza has proven his credibility and has held multiple posts, including opposition leader MP Larut, Bersatu, and PN secretary general,” the source said, adding that for Mr. Hamza, it is an “easy win.” ” he added.

In May, Bersatu postponed elections to the Supreme Council and party branches for up to 18 months to focus on six state elections on August 12. However, the postponement does not apply to branch elections.

According to the party’s constitution, only members who have served two full terms on the Supreme Council can object to the party’s “top five” posts, the person said.

He said Hamza, Faisal, Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Raji Jidin met the requirements.

However, another Supreme Council member, Azmin Ali, is ineligible to run as he has been appointed to the position. This is unless the party constitution is amended, he added.

FMT has contacted Hamza for comment.

However, Bersatu Information Director Razali Idris told FMT that party leaders held a meeting on September 9 after the by-elections for Pulai parliamentary seat and Simpang Jhelum seat in Johor state concluded. He said he plans to decide on an election.

“The sooner we resolve small issues regarding (constitutional) amendments, the sooner the party elections will take place.

“We are currently organizing branches and divisions of the party. We will make some changes to the rules and make some amendments regarding (political party) elections,” he said, but details was not disclosed.