Former education minister Maszlee Malik has won the Simpang Renggam Bersatu division's inaugural leadership election.

Maszlee (above) secured 211 votes, while sole opponent Ahmad Ahem secured 79 votes.

"Alhamdulillah. God's grace has allowed me to win. I thank my comrades for choosing me to be the Simpang Renggam Bersatu division leader," wrote Maszlee on his Twitter account.

Maszlee's political fortunes were looking to be on the wane much of last year when he took a public beating over many policy issues as education minister.

On Jan 2, Maszlee stepped down as minister on the advice of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Maszlee is the MP for Simpang Renggam.

In a related development, Johor Bersatu chief Mazlan Bujang too won the election for the Tebrau Bersatu division chief.

Mazlan secured 379 votes against Saiful Anuar Yahya's 87 votes and Norlehan Ariffin's 52 votes.

Last year, Mazlan received a political boost when he was appointed Johor Bersatu head by Mahathir, who is Bersatu's national chairperson.

The position was previously held by Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who is now focusing on national matters.

Bersatu, which was formed in 2016, is currently in the midst of holding elections for its divisions. The process will culminate with the national level AGM and election on June 20.