KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is believed to be one of the top contenders for party president should Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin decide not to contest in the party's upcoming elections.
A source from the party told FMT that Muhyiddin has for quite some time told party leaders of his intention to take a back seat and is likely to skip the polls and become an adviser to the party.
Hamzah, the source said, has strong support from the Bersatu members to lead the party.
The source also said Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu is expected to defend the number two post as he does not have sufficient influence to challenge Hamzah.
"Contesting the top post might backfire on Faizal as his reputation within the party has been affected after leading the Perikatan Nasional chapter in Negeri Sembilan.
"In comparison, Hamzah has proven credibility and holds multiple posts, including as Larut MP, opposition leader, as well as Bersatu and PN secretary-general," the source said, adding that it would be an "easy win" for Hamzah.
The source said that according to the party's constitution, only members who have served on the Supreme Council for two full terms can contest the party's "top five" posts.
He said Hamzah, Faizal, Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, Datuk Rosol Wahid and Datuk Seri Radzi Jidin fulfill the requirement.
However, another Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, is ineligible to contest as he was appointed to the position. This is unless the party's constitution is amended, he added.
NST has reached out to Hamzah and Ahmad Faizal for comments.
In May, Bersatu postponed its Supreme Council and the party's various divisions elections for up to 18 months to focus on Aug 12 six state elections. The postponement, however, does not apply to branch elections.
Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris, however, told the portal that party leaders will only meet to decide on the elections after the conclusion of by-elections for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats in Johor.
"The sooner we resolve minor issues on the amendments (to the constitution), the earlier the party elections will be.
"We are currently organising the party's branches and divisions. We are planning to make some changes to the rules and a few amendments concerning (party) elections," he said, without elaborating to FMT.