Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin retained the presidency while opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin was named his deputy as they were the only candidates on the list when nominations closed.

Mas Ermieyati revealed that some other members who were eyeing the presidency and deputy presidency were not eligible as they did not meet the requirement stipulated in the party’s constitution.

Only those who have sat in the Supreme Council for two terms are allowed to vie for the top two posts.

“There were members who wanted to challenge Muhyiddin for the presidency, but they were not eligible. The situation was similar for the deputy presidency.

“We are unlike my former party, which decided that the top two posts would not be contested,” Mas Ermieyati, the Wanita Bersatu deputy chief, told FMT, in taking a swipe at Umno.

At the 2022 Umno annual general assembly held last year, the party approved a motion for the posts of president and deputy president not to be contested at its elections.

In July, Muhyiddin “leaked” the Bersatu candidates’ list which he said was done after several discussions within the party.

He said Ahmad Faizal Azumu would step down as deputy president and run for one of the three vice-president’s posts instead.

Muhyiddin also said Azmin Ali would be offered the secretary-general’s post, given his ability and political experience, although it was later reported that the former Selangor menteri besar would turn it down.

Based on the list of candidates Bersatu revealed last week, Faizal is vying for the vice-presidency in a six-cornered fight.

Mas Ermieyati, who won the post of women’s wing chief unopposed, also rubbished claims that the party was divided into two camps – with one faction aligned to Hamzah and the other to Azmin

“There are no camps in Bersatu. It (such a narrative) is fabricated by those who are dissatisfied with Bersatu.

“And members should not buy into these claims as it would only weaken the party and create disunity.”