PETALING JAYA: The storm in Perikatan Nasional has grown from the rift in tiny Perlis to a full-blown nationwide hurricane, with coalition chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin resigning his position.
Four other state leaders – all from Bersatu – also quit their positions, leaving questions over the future of the coalition.
Pagoh MP Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, announced yesterday that he was stepping down effective tomorrow.
His announcement triggered a spate of resignations by fellow Bersatu leaders from Perikatan positions.
Coalition secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who is also Selangor chairman, announced he was also quitting both positions as of Jan 1, followed by the state chairmen of Johor, Negri Sembilan and Perak.
“I have decided to resign as Perikatan chairman effective Jan 1, 2026.
“I thank the Perikatan leadership for their support during my tenure of five years,” Muhyiddin said in his brief statement issued yesterday morning.
“I wish the best for the Perikatan leadership and all component parties.”
The former prime minister, however, stays Bersatu president.
Azmin then announced his decision, saying he was appointed by Muhyiddin and had to go.
“Muhyiddin appointed me as Perikatan state chairman. Therefore, I tender my resignation as secretary-general effective Jan 1, 2026.
“I also resign as the Selangor Perikatan liaison chief effective the same date. I thank all those who has given me full cooperation during my tenure.”
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Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu also resigned as Perak Perikatan chairman.
“I respect that my appointment as being the prerogative of the chairman.
“Therefore, I hereby announce my resignation effective Jan 1, 2026,” Ahmad Faizal said in a statement.
He, too, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the leadership and members of Perak Perikatan’s component parties.
In Johor, Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal said he was stepping down as state Perikatan chairman.
“The one who lost the Johor MB post was me. I am more than happy to resign,” said Dr Sahruddin, the former Johor mentri besar who was replaced by Datuk Hasni Mohammad after Bersatu’s withdrawal from Pakatan Harapan in Johor in 2020.
In Negri Sembilan, Labu assemblyman Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker announced his resignation.
“This decision aligns with the principle of respecting the structure, hierarchy and governance of Perikatan,” he said.
Sarawak’s Perikatan chief Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian has also announced his resignation.
After the spate of resignations, Perikatan Youth leaders urged the components to practise consensus.
“Any decision or stance taken in the name of Perikatan is not the absolute right of any single component party acting unilaterally.
“Although all component parties may express their views, the position of Perikatan must be determined through consensus among all component parties,” said the statement, which was signed by Bersatu’s Armada chief Hilman Idham, Gerakan Youth chief Lee Boon Shian and MIPP Youth chief Justin Prabakaran.
