SHAH ALAM – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) faces a potential downward spiral ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16) unless it undergoes a significant transformation and stabilises its internal hierarchy.
Political analyst Mujibu Abd Muis stated that Bersatu must transition from a model centred on individual personalities to a more institutionalised organisation.
He argued that the party requires more robust internal processes and a cohesive, collective leadership structure.
While Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remains the constitutionally legitimate president, Mujibu revealed that his leadership is under immense political strain following a shift in allegiance among the party's Members of Parliament.
“In the political arena, legitimacy is not defined by a constitution alone, but by tangible support.
“When two-thirds of a party's MPs align themselves with an expelled figure, we are witnessing a crisis of legitimacy rather than a mere disciplinary issue.”
He further cautioned that if the "centre of gravity" shifts towards the bloc supporting Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Muhyiddin risks becoming a leader who retains control of the party’s bureaucracy but loses command over its actual power base—legislative support.
The analyst pointed out that the apparent support for Hamzah from a majority of Bersatu division heads and state assemblymen suggests an open challenge to the central leadership.
This fragmentation could undermine the party’s ability to manage candidate selection and election strategy, potentially leading to a permanent schism if a resolution is not found.
However, Mujibu acknowledged that political loyalties remain fluid.
“If the central leadership can maintain its grip on organisational resources and official structures, a portion of that support may eventually return to the mainstream,” he said.
Addressing the dynamics within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, Mujibu suggested it is unlikely that Pas would exit the alliance simply to follow specific individuals.
He added that Pas currently holds a dominant position within the Opposition, supported by a loyal grassroots base and a highly disciplined party machinery.