IPOH: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's personal issues have become a liability and are tarnishing Bersatu's image, says Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin.
The party's Pasir Salak chairman supreme council member said Muhyiddin, as president, should put the interests of Bersatu first before anything else and step down.
"We respect Muhyiddin, who is facing an ongoing trial.
"The issue with his son-in-law has become a subject of mockery inside and outside the Dewan Rakyat," he said in a press conference together with a group of party members at a hotel here on Wednesday (Dec 10).
He also said Muhyiddin's personal issues could become a liability and force the people to reject Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional.
"We hope he can reflect on the issues surrounding the party and step down respectfully.
"We believe that Muhyiddin, as the founder (of Bersatu), truly loves the party – so let the party be inherited by the new generation to continue his fight," he said.
Zainol Fadzi, who is also Sungai Manik assemblyman, also said he did not want to see Muhyiddin become "version 2.0" of Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Zainol Fadzi said the party's internal turmoil needed to end and urged party leaders to take responsibility.
"There have been no solution in sight since the annual general assembly on Sept 6.
"We hope the president can accept our criticisms and views," he said, adding that they were prepared to face any disciplinary action.
When asked if their call for Muhyiddin to step down goes against the decision made during the assembly to support the Pagoh MP as prime ministerial candidate, Zainol Fadzi said Bersatu was a dynamic party.
"Even if decisions are made, we can make changes.
"If we allow issues to drag on, it will become chronic. It is time to rejuvenate the party so we don't get rejected in the 16th General Election," he said.
Zainol Fadzi said many in the party were unhappy with the sacking of several division chiefs.
"Mohd Fadli Ismail, who was sacked as the Ipoh Timur chief in October, should have been given time to appeal.
"His name was removed from the party registry without notice.
"If this can happen to him, it can happen to any of us," he added.
When asked why they were not voicing their issues via official party channels, Zainol Fadzi said: "Based on my experience in Supreme Council meetings, issues raised are not taken seriously.
"Issues will still drag on, with no concrete measures taken," he added.
Among those present were bersatu's Larut chief Mohd Hassuandi Hamzah, Bukit Gantang chief and Kuala Sepetang assemblyman Ahmad Man, Padang Rengas MP Capt Azahari Hasan, Tapah chief Mhod Yunus Mhd Yusop, Gopeng chief Ahmad Ishak and Teluk Intan chief Kamarudin Majid.
When contacted, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said Zainol Fadzi should have gone through proper channels to air their grievances.
Ahmad Faizal, who is also Perak Bersatu chief, said Zainol Fadzi and the other division chiefs involved did not voiced out any grievances at supreme council meetings.
"Whatever issues and differences in opinions we may have, it is normal in a democratic party, but there are party channels to voice our concerns and views.
"When you attack our leaders and air dirty linen and in public, it proves that he is trying to embarrass the party and mar its image," he said.
