Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the sacking of Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan and four division chiefs was to rein in dissenting factions.
“As party president, Muhyiddin has to do what is right. If he doesn’t act, the problem will spread,” he told FMT.
“But even with this action, Bersatu’s internal situation is already critical and its relationship with PAS is also strained.”
Bersatu said that Wan Saiful and the four division chiefs were booted from the party for violating its constitution and code of conduct.
The disciplinary action was reportedly due to their alleged involvement in a “statutory declaration movement” to topple Muhyiddin as Bersatu president, as well as their role in a recent commotion at an official event.
Awang Azman said the rifts ran deep, with factions supporting Muhyiddin and Hamzah Zainudin for the top post. He said PAS’s call for a prime minister candidate below the age of 70 and its support for Hamzah had only added to the tension.
He said Bersatu’s uneasy partnership with PAS was beginning to mirror the Islamic party’s previous strained relationships with Umno, DAP and PKR.
“Bersatu thought it was different, but now they know what it’s like working with PAS. They are unpredictable and inconsistent,” he said.
Risky gamble for Muhyiddin
Awang Azman warned that the expulsion of Wan Saiful, who was seen as aligned with Hamzah’s faction, might not bring closure.
“Muhyiddin has to clean up his party and prepare for the coming general election, while Wan Saiful has nothing to lose now. He can say whatever he wants, and that will further weaken Bersatu,” he said.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the opposing camp could regroup during this period of time.
“But I think this may be the time to attack openly because there will be no more secrets, no more strikes behind closed doors,” he said.
Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia said Wan Saiful’s sacking was harsher than anticipated and could be seen as an overreach.
“What happens next will depend on how the appeal process is handled.
“If the leadership appears heavy-handed, those unhappy will continue to voice concern, though not as openly as Wan Saiful,” she said, adding that the restoration of party unity should be a priority before the next general election.