SHAH ALAM: Bersatu top leadership will discuss president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's decision not to defend his position in the upcoming party polls.
Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Faizal Azumu said the president's leadership was crucial to ensure the survival of the party.
"As mentioned by the secretary-general (Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin) earlier, the party members need not worry (with Muhyiddin's announcement, as the party had yet to accept his decision not to defend the post).
"We will discuss this matter at length and we believe that the president, as one of the founders of Bersatu, will put members' interests before making the decision.
"The interests of grassroots members will be considered and this matter will be brought up during the debates today and tomorrow," he told a press conference after Muhyiddin's president's policy speech.
Present was Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
Earlier, Muhyiddin in his speech announced that he would not defend his position in the upcoming party polls, scheduled for next year.
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman said that the time for him to let go of the position had come.
Faizal said he was shocked by Muhyiddin's announcement and the same went with the delegates, who stood up and asked the Pagoh MP to retract his decision.
"Personally, I did not agree with his decision. I was shocked and was not happy with the announcement."
Asked why he did not stand up upon hearing the announcement, Faizal replied; "I was in shock, we were in shock.
"But I also want to give a chance to the grassroots to show their response to the president's announcement.
"I cannot look at him and was upset because we started this party together and suddenly he announced that he will not be defending his post."
Asked if he would take the chance to become the president, Faizal said; "Let's not go there. The grassroots want Muhyiddin.
"I am not going to run against Muhyiddin. I will protect him."
Pressed further if the party would moot a motion for the post not to be contested, Faizal said; "I will propose to the representatives (that are set to debate the president's policy speech later today and tomorrow) to help voice up the grassroots voices."