He said Ahmad Faizal Azumu would step down as deputy president and run for one of the three vice-president’s post instead.

“Faizal is willing to leave his current post to give way to Hamzah Zainudin in recognition of his contributions as Perikatan Nasional secretary-general and the opposition leader in Parliament,” he said in a press conference at the Bersatu convention at Ideal Convention Centre here.

Muhyiddin added that Azmin Ali will be offered the secretary-general’s post given his ability and political experience.

He said in his speech earlier that the party polls would likely see no competition for the top posts, following negotiations among the leadership.

He also said a motion had been tabled several months ago asking him to intervene and negotiate the matter to prevent any division within the party.

The deputy president’s post was expected to be the highlight of Bersatu’s elections this October, after Muhyiddin had previously confirmed that he will remain as party president.

Faizal, who has held the post since 2020, was previously expected to be challenged by Hamzah under articles 14.14 and 14.16 of the party’s constitution.

Last month, Bersatu announced that members wishing to contest in the October elections must apply to the Supreme Council as per the said articles.

Hamzah was previously not eligible to contest for any of the top five posts as he had not served two terms as a Supreme Council member, as required under the party’s constitution.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin denied allegations that those wishing to contest in the polls would have to pay the party a certain sum.

“That’s just a rumour,” he said.

FMT previously reported a source as saying candidates for October’s polls would have to pay RM1,000 to RM100,000 depending on the position contested.