The rejection was voiced by 20 speakers taking part in this year’s annual general assembly here.

The decision was announced by Bersatu permanent chairman Suhaimi Abdullah.

The assembly also rejected two other matters raised by Muhyiddin in his speech yesterday – the proposal to find a replacement for the presidency, and his stance that this AGM should be the last with him at the helm.

Suhaimi said the rejection is based on points 123, 124, and 125 of the president’s speech at the general assembly yesterday.

Yesterday, Bersatu’s Supreme Council unanimously rejected Muhyiddin’s decision to not defend his presidency next year.

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

Muhyiddin had 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.

Last week, FMT quoted Muhyiddin as saying he was aware of calls for a change in the party leadership, including by Supreme Council member Eddin Syazlee Shith, who said a reshuffle was needed to fill a “void” in the party.

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