In a statement, the party’s secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said the Supreme Council had rejected Muhyiddin’s decision at an emergency meeting chaired by its deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

“We are of the view that Muhyiddin’s leadership is still needed by the party and the nation.”

Earlier, a Supreme Council member who spoke on condition of anonymity, said every Supreme Council member was asked if they wanted to offer themselves for the post.

“But all of us refused.

“We unanimously reject the president’s decision,” the source said when met at the party’s general assembly here.

Earlier today, Muhyiddin said it was time for him to let go of the reins because the party has many capable leaders.

The former prime minister urged party leaders to sit down and discuss who should step up and succeed him, to avoid any internal strife.

Meanwhile, Bersatu leaders had earlier said they were against Muhyiddin’s decision.

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said he would push for a motion to ensure that Muhyiddin remained as the president.

Faizal, meanwhile, said he was surprised by Muhyiddin’s announcement, adding that this was also evident by the reaction of the delegates who stood up to voice their dismay.

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