{
  "id": 6301006,
  "title": "Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief, 19 others quit party",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/padang-besar-bersatu-deputy-chief-19-others-quit-party",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T15:53:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/08/padang-besar-bersatu-deputy-chief-19-others-quit-party"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief Ramzi Udi and 19 other key party members have unexpectedly resigned from the organization, citing deep dissatisfaction with leadership at all levels of the party. The group announced their departure at a press conference in Chuping, Perlis, stating that they would join the Wawasan party, led by Hamzah Zainudin. The decision was made after careful consideration and a loss of confidence in Bersatu's leadership. Ramzi claimed that the group's move would \"paralyse\" Bersatu, particularly the Padang Besar division. He also suggested that other Bersatu branches in Kangar and Arau might follow suit. The resignations occurred days after Bersatu appointed Padang Besar division chief Izizam Ibrahim as the new Perlis chief, with the appointment taking effect on September 3. Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali praised Izizam's appointment, noting that he would bring fresh ideas and strategic plans to strengthen Bersatu's efforts in Perlis. Perlis Bersatu had previously been led by Abu Bakar Hamzah, who simultaneously served as the state's menteri besar and Kuala Perlis assemblyman. Abu Bakar had resigned from Bersatu's Supreme Council on July 9.",
  "summary": "The group says they will join Hamzah Zainudin’s Wawasan.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Padang Besar Bersatu deputy chief, 19 others quit party",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/padang-besar-bersatu-deputy-chief-19-others-quit-party-6303600",
        "published": "2026-09-08T15:53:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}