In the last general election, Bersatu undeniably relied on the leadership of then-party president Dr Mahathir Mohamad for much of its popularity nationwide.

Besides the grand appeal of the former premier, his successor Muhyiddin Yassin also boosted support for the party, in Johor particularly, although his currency appeared to be waning as Bersatu was - for the most part - wiped out in the recent Johor state polls this year by Umno...