Puad said the decision proved the party was irresponsible because the former prime minister had failed as the nation’s leader during his time in office between March 2020 and August 2021.

“No significant achievement to be proud of (under Muhyiddin’s administration), many governance violations, including Jana Wibawa issues, and the son-in-law’s continued disappearance abroad,” Puad said in a Facebook statement.

He added that Bersatu’s decision proved that the party did not have anyone else who was capable.

On Thursday, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said Muhyiddin is still qualified as the party’s candidate for the top job.

He said the Pagoh MP hasn’t committed any wrongdoings and his tenure was cut short only because several Barisan Nasional MPs decided to withdraw their support for him.

Muhyiddin took office on March 1, 2020 but was forced to resign on Aug 16, 2021 after a revolt by Umno MPs left him without a parliamentary majority.

His resignation came a few weeks after the end of an emergency, that was declared in January 2021, and saw no Parliament sitting taking place for seven months.