Malaysian opposition leader Muhyiddin makes U-turn on stepping down as party president
Sign up now: Get insights on the biggest stories in Malaysia
Malaysia's former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin had said on Nov 24 it was time to pass the leadership of his Bersatu party to a new team.
ST PHOTO: ZUNAIRA SAIEED
Follow topic:
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Nov 25 he aimed to contest the presidency of his party during internal elections in 2024, a day after vowing to step down from the post.
Mr Muhyiddin had said it was time to pass the leadership of his Bersatu party to a new team, raising questions over who would lead the Malay-dominated opposition alliance as the former premier is one of its few leaders with broad appeal.
"I will stay for the last term (as Bersatu president)," Mr Muhyiddin said in a speech at the annual meeting of Bersatu, which leads the Perikatan Nasional opposition bloc along with a conservative Islamist party.
Mr Muhyiddin, who led Malaysia for 17 months
It remains unclear, however, if any members of Bersatu will challenge him for the presidency during next year's party elections.
The opposition made inroads among Malaysia's majority ethnic-Malay Muslims during regional polls in August and 2022's general election.
Its popularity among more traditional Malays and young voters is seen as a threat to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's progressive, multi-ethnic alliance.
Mr Muhyiddin has served as president of Bersatu since its formation in 2016 and he also chairs the Perikatan Nasional opposition bloc. REUTERS
