KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that he will not defend his position in the upcoming party elections, which is scheduled to be held next year.
During the Bersatu president's policy speech today at its annual general assembly (AGM), Muhyiddin said that the time for him to let go of the position has come.
"It is time to let go," he told the delegates at the AGM, today.
His announcement, however, was met with protest from the delegates, who cried "No, tarik balik."
Present during the assembly were Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Armada chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Srikandi chief, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun and her deputy Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin among others.
Also present were Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
At the same time, the former prime minister said the decision was made to allow Bersatu's future generations to take over the party leadership through a fair democratic process.
He also called out the supreme council members to discuss and ensure that experienced figures in the party could have a position and role in party leadership, moving forward.
"This process is very crucial to strengthen our party effectively in the future.
"(And) as this is the last time I will be standing as a president during the AGM, I would like to apologise to all party leaders and members for any mistakes done as the president.
"My only message and hope is for the leaders to take good care of this party."
Meanwhile, at a press conference later, Muhyiddin said he had made up his mind and was determined not to defend the position.
"I have thought about this thoroughly and I am not new in politics. However, I realise that the party cannot only depend on me, as we have other leaders that of caliber enough (to lead the party).
"It is not an issue of whether my resignation is accepted or not because I did not resign.
"I will still be the president until after the election and like I said in my speech, I want all leaders who take over my position to sit down, discuss and negotiate to ensure that the party is not divided, even after I am not the president anymore."
Asked whether he will still be active in politics, Muhyiddin said he will continue to run his responsibilities as the president until the next party election.
"Indirectly, this means that I will not be active (in politics) but will remain with Bersatu.
"(And) I am still with Bersatu, I still have a year left as the president and I am only giving an early notice (of not defending my post).
"As long as I am the president, I have my responsibilities, I will do what is necessary as a president like what I have been doing since the birth of the party."