Syaza Shukri and Ariff Aizuddin Azlan said the move was aimed at managing internal rifts within the party.
PN secretary-general Azmin Ali announced yesterday that the coalition had dropped Saifuddin Abdullah as its Pahang chief, replacing him with PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, shortly after the Iskandar Puteri MP openly criticised Muhyiddin.
Azmin also announced that Mas Ermieyati Samsudin had been appointed as the new PN chief for Melaka, replacing Dr Yadzil Yaakub, while Shahidan Kassim took over the post in Perlis from menteri besar Shukri Ramli.
Syaza, of International Islamic University Malaysia, said although the reshuffle is officially presented as a PN-level decision, the perception that it stems from internal disputes within Bersatu seems difficult to dispel.
“For me, it’s surprising yet not so surprising. I expect more purges to come because it’s clear that Muhyiddin (and Azmin) are going all out to remove those who are critical of them,” she told FMT.
She also said that although the reshuffle could be Muhyiddin’s way of showing stronger leadership, it would only make things worse, being more of a reactive action than a proactive move.
“Instead of engaging in open dialogue and listening to dissenting voices, they’re simply cutting these individuals out of PN’s leadership.
“Those sidelined will continue speaking out against Muhyiddin and it will become a never-ending cycle,” she said.
She cited the example of Bersatu leader Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who went on to highlight the internal problems within the party after his suspension.
“I’m sure Saifuddin, too, has issues he wants to raise.
“Right now, there seems to be no proper channel to express differing opinions. Bersatu is starting to resemble Umno, though Bersatu appears even bolder in taking action against an MP like Saifuddin,” Syaza said, adding that this approach won’t solve the issues plaguing Bersatu.
Saifuddin was reported as saying that Muhyiddin should step down as Bersatu president, claiming the former prime minister had “lost his leadership quality” and was no longer the same leader he once admired.
The former foreign minister also accused Muhyiddin of failing to convene party meetings and urged senior party leaders Azmin and Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz (Bersatu information chief) to resign.
Ariff, of Universiti Teknologi Mara, said PN’s move to introduce a new leadership was a strategic one, aimed at containing deeper divisions and refocusing the coalition’s energy ahead of elections.
“It’s true that such internal conflicts are difficult to put to rest.
“This is essentially a battle of perceptions and, if not properly managed, it could destroy Bersatu from within.”
He said such issues often end with the party splitting right down the middle “and that’s the real danger Bersatu now faces”.