Muhyiddin Vows to Block Hamzah’s New Party from Perikatan Nasional
Kuala Lumpur, March 4 – Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, has declared his strong opposition to any bid by former party deputy president, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, to have his newly formed party admitted into the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition. Muhyiddin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pagoh, expressed his firm stance, stating that he could not envision a future collaboration with Hamzah due to what he termed a “betrayal” that has eroded his trust.
The Bersatu president underscored that the admission of any new political entity into the Perikatan Nasional coalition is not a unilateral decision. Instead, it necessitates the unanimous consent of all existing component parties within the coalition. This principle, he emphasized, ensures that the collective will of the coalition’s members is respected and that any expansion is mutually agreed upon.
“I don’t want to interfere,” Muhyiddin was quoted as saying. “But if he wants to enter PN… I will say it cannot be done because ‘once bitten, twice shy’.” This idiom clearly illustrates his cautious and distrustful approach towards Hamzah following past events.
When questioned about potential disciplinary actions against Bersatu leaders perceived to be supporting Hamzah’s new political venture, Muhyiddin indicated that the party’s internal disciplinary processes are a continuous and integral part of its governance. He suggested that such matters would be handled according to the party’s established procedures.
Furthermore, Muhyiddin refuted any suggestions that Bersatu is experiencing a decline in strength following the expulsion of several party leaders. He asserted that the party continues to maintain a position of “relatively still strong” influence and stability within the Malaysian political landscape.
This development follows recent reports indicating that Hamzah Zainudin, who currently holds the position of Opposition Leader, is poised to lead Parti Keluarga Malaysia. Hamzah’s expulsion from Bersatu occurred last month, marking a significant shift in the party’s internal dynamics and leadership. His subsequent move to form and lead a new party sets the stage for potential political realignments and challenges within the opposition bloc.
The internal discord within Bersatu, leading to Hamzah’s expulsion and his subsequent formation of a new party, highlights the complex and often contentious nature of coalition politics in Malaysia. The decision regarding Parti Keluarga Malaysia’s potential inclusion in Perikatan Nasional will undoubtedly be a closely watched development, with significant implications for the coalition’s unity and future trajectory. Muhyiddin’s firm stance suggests a significant hurdle for Hamzah’s ambitions to integrate his new party into the existing PN framework. The dynamics of trust and past grievances appear to be central to the ongoing political maneuvering.
