Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief leads 20-member exodus to Wawasan

The deputy chief of Padang Besar Bersatu division and 19 other party members have announced their departure from the party, dealing a fresh blow to the Mahathir-led faction's influence in Kedah. The group indicated they will throw their weight behind Wawasan, the political vehicle led by former Deputy Prime Minister Hamzah Zainudin. The defections underscore ongoing internal rifts within Bersatu, which has faced considerable challenges maintaining party cohesion since its formation. The exodus from Padang Besar, a key electoral area in northern Kedah, represents a significant loss of grassroots support in a region where Bersatu has traditionally enjoyed substantial backing. The movement towards Wawasan reflects broader shifts in the political landscape as members seek alternative platforms aligned with their strategic objectives. Hamzah's party has been actively recruiting defectors from other coalitions as it positions itself as a centrist force in Malaysian politics.