PORT DICKSON: A group of members from Port Dickson Bersatu are disputing claims that a motion adopted by the division for a leadership transition plan was made unanimously.
Vice-chairman Mohd Shuhazlan Ali questioned the validity of the decision, noting that about 60 members were either not invited or refused to attend the division's annual general meeting on Sunday (July 6).
"How can the division propose that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin takes up the role of adviser when he had received the mandate from members to be president only last year?
"As far as we are concerned, that so-called decision was proposed by one individual purely for cheap publicity and did not reflect grassroots sentiment," he said at a press conference.
Mohd Shuhazlan, despite being elected to his position, did not receive an invitation to the AGM.
"I was probably not invited as I had questioned and lodged a police report regarding division matters on June 9," he added.
On Sunday, Port Dickson Bersatu had passed a motion calling for a leadership power transition to enable the party to be more proactive in addressing issues affecting the people.
The motion proposed that deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin be given the president's powers to perform his duties as Opposition leader more effectively.
The division suggested that the power transition plan be implemented immediately, granting the deputy president a significant role in day-to-day operations and representation in talks with other leaders.
However, Negri Sembilan Bersatu later reiterated its support for Muhyiddin to continue leading the party. State chief Hanifah Abu Baker expressed the state liaison committee's unwavering support for Muhyiddin to lead Perikatan Nasional in the upcoming 16th general election.
Shuhazlan stated that the narrative to replace Muhyiddin as president was not new.
"The move started before the party election last year and has gained momentum with the unity government seen to be grappling with issues.
"The only difference is that previously, such talk was attributed to internal sources but this time it comes as a motion from a branch," he explained.
Shuhazlan argued that there was no justification to replace Muhyiddin, as he has proven to be a credible and popular leader.
Asked if it was true that he had been suspended by the division, Mohd Shuhazlan said he had not received any letter indicating so.
