Bersatu leader warns against power struggles, urges focus on people’s needs

KUALA LUMPUR – Pengerang Bersatu division chief Mohd Faisal Asmar has cautioned Malaysian political leaders to learn from Indonesia’s ongoing political crisis, where mass protests erupted over leaders prioritising power over grassroots concerns.

He said leaders in Malaysia, particularly within Bersatu, must put the interests of the people above personal ambitions if the party wishes to remain respected.

“When leaders are seen to only strengthen their positions, the grassroots will not hesitate to protest and reject them,” Faisal said in a statement today.

Ahead of Bersatu’s Annual General Assembly (PAT) in Shah Alam on Sept 6-7, Faisal voiced concern over attempts by some individuals to shift the party’s focus toward leadership tussles, including a proposal to nominate Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister.

While he acknowledged that the proposal may be well-intentioned, Faisal stressed that the timing was inappropriate, arguing that the party should prioritise policy issues and public welfare.

“The question of a prime ministerial candidate should only be addressed by Perikatan Nasional when the 16th General Election is near, not now. Pushing this issue prematurely will only give the impression that party leaders are detached from the people’s agenda,” he said.

Faisal further emphasised that division chiefs are the “pillars” who have long sacrificed for the party’s survival and must not be sidelined.

He warned that failure by leaders to heed grassroots sentiment could result in Bersatu facing the same rejection from the people that leaders in Indonesia are now experiencing.