Bersatu’s Afif Bahardin refutes claims that Muhyiddin Yassin is blocking Malay unity, stating the party’s internal issues are purely disciplinary and not political.

PETALING JAYA: “Bersatu is a party that has produced two prime ministers. Surely we know how to manage our own party.”

That was the response from Bersatu supreme council member Dr Afif Bahardin amid allegations that party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is resisting efforts to unite Malay-based political parties and is allegedly leaning towards PH.

Afif dismissed claims that Muhyiddin does not want Malay unity as baseless and politically motivated, saying the issue at hand is strictly a matter of party discipline and adherence to the party constitution.

He added that Bersatu’s current internal tensions have nothing to do with Malay unity but are instead centred on disciplinary concerns involving certain leaders.

“This is as simple as a disciplinary issue within the party.

“When there are leaders seen associating with groups involved in clandestine alignments and movements that could damage the party’s image and undermine the institution of the president, action has to be taken,” he told theSun.

He explained that after efforts by the president and the party’s top leadership to resolve the matter failed to reach a resolution, the issue was referred to the party’s disciplinary board.

He said Muhyiddin does not have unilateral power to dismiss or punish members, as such authority lies solely with the disciplinary board, which operates independently of the supreme council and top leadership.

“The president cannot simply sack anyone. Only the disciplinary board could take action, whether suspension or expulsion. The board is independent and must act impartially. It cannot practise favouritism.”

Afif also said previous disciplinary actions, including the suspension and expulsion of leaders such as Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and others, were taken after they were found to have breached party rules.

“As an example, there were admissions of efforts to gather statutory declarations to replace the president and continuous public attacks against the party leadership. No political party could allow that to continue unchecked.”

Afif said no organisation would tolerate individuals who constantly undermine its leadership.

“If an employee goes to work every day just to criticise the company and its boss, do you think the company would take no action? The same principle applies here. We are not running a chess club. We are running a political party that has formed the government and produced two prime ministers,” he said, referring to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Muhyiddin.

Addressing allegations that Muhyiddin is leaning towards PH, Afif described such claims as “absurd and without basis”.

“Why would we support PH when many Malays are dissatisfied with PH? If Tan Sri was desperate to become prime minister at any cost, he could have made different political choices. But that is not the case.”

He also clarified that Bersatu’s stance on Malay unity does not necessarily mean merging with Umno or aligning with its leadership.

“For us in PN, Malay unity means uniting Malay voters behind PN. We already enjoy strong Malay support. It is not about joining Umno. If anything, those who disagree with Umno’s current direction should support PN.”

He added that calls for PN to join Umno lack a clear basis, especially when PN commands significant Malay backing.

On claims that Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali is acting as an intermediary between Muhyiddin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Afif said such narratives were speculative and unsupported by evidence.

“These are stories being circulated to create distrust. There is no mandate from the party for any cooperation with PH.”

As internal disputes continue to unfold, Afif maintained that Bersatu remains institutionally strong and capable of managing its affairs.

“We are a party with experience in governance. We understand the responsibility that comes with that. Whatever differences exist, they must be resolved according to the party’s constitution and principles.”

 The Sun Malaysia