In what might be his final Malaysia election, can Muhyiddin assist Bersatu climate a tricky problem?

Nevertheless, his tenure solely lasted till August 2021 when some MPs from BN’s primary element occasion, the United Malays Nationwide Organisation (UMNO) pulled their assist for him and put forth occasion vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob to switch Mr Muhyiddin as prime minister.

Initially of his GE15 marketing campaign, Mr Muhyiddin rejected PH’s label that he and Bersatu politicians have been “traitors”. 

Talking throughout a marketing campaign walkabout in Sungai Raya, Pagoh on Nov 5, Mr Muhyiddin acknowledged: “We (Bersatu) decided to go away PH as a result of we felt our coalition companions now not cared for the pursuits of the Malays and the sovereignty of Islam. Is that unsuitable? 

“You may name me a traitor however I can not betray my race, faith and nation.” 

Mr Hafidzi Razali, a senior analyst with strategic advisory agency Bower Group Asia advised CNA that it was extremely seemingly that Mr Muhyiddin will retain his seat as he “stays a well-liked determine” in Pagoh. 

Nevertheless, he outlined that another Bersatu members who’re contesting in additional ethnic-mixed or city constituencies could also be in for a tough marketing campaign. 

“Whereas Muhyiddin himself won’t be a casualty of the Sheraton Transfer, different Bersatu incumbents will face an uphill activity to defend their seats – particularly these contesting in blended seats,” mentioned Mr Hafidzi.

“Non-Malay voters, particularly, would hesitate to offer Bersatu a second likelihood,” he added. 

Mr Hafidzi additionally identified that having Islamic-based occasion PAS as its primary ally in PN would possibly discourage non-Muslims from supporting Bersatu.