PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has expressed the coalition’s willingness to explore cooperation with Umno, stressing that it is in the interest of the nation's future.
In a statement made during a recent episode of the Keluar Sekejap (KS) podcast, Hamzah clarified that his remarks had been misunderstood, particularly regarding the notion that a potential alliance with Umno would rejuvenate the party’s strength.
“I only mentioned that if Umno leaders were firm in their stance at that time, PN and Umno could have already come together, as we had 104 seats, just eight short of forming a government,” Sinar Harian cited him saying.
He added that Umno had chosen to align with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instead, believing it to be the more beneficial option.
However, Hamzah expressed openness to the idea of dialogue and cooperation, should the circumstances allow.
“I do not dismiss the possibility that if there is room for openness, we can sit down and discuss for the future of the people from all races and religions,” he said during a press conference following the Iftar event hosted by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Bentong.
The Deputy President of Bersatu also reiterated that the mission of PN goes beyond any single ethnic group, highlighting its inclusive nature that spans across all segments of society, including the Chinese and Indian communities.
At the same event, Bersatu announced the joining of over 100 members from MCA Bentong, led by former MCA Youth Secretary-General, Datuk Leong Kim Soo, into the PN fold.
Hamzah confirmed that Leong had formally left MCA and joined Bersatu/PN to strengthen the coalition’s efforts in Bentong and the broader state of Pahang.
“He has left MCA, so we are not talking about expulsion. His entry into PN is a valuable addition as he brings with him experience and strong grassroots connections,” he said.
Hamzah noted that more than 113 people had joined through Leong, with many more expected to follow suit. He further pointed to the diverse wings of Bersatu, such as Bersatu Bersekutu, as evidence that PN truly embodies inclusivity.
During the briefing, Hamzah also voiced concerns about the struggles of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who are increasingly burdened by fluctuating taxes and policies implemented by the current government.
He highlighted that these challenges are making it difficult for many entrepreneurs to effectively plan for costs and profits.
"While in the past, they were able to make profits, today everything has deteriorated. Some have had to reduce staff, while others cannot afford to purchase essential goods for Ramadan and Hari Raya," Hamzah explained.
He urged the government to engage more directly with the grassroots, saying, “The government needs to go down to the ground and see the reality, not just take pride in the numbers of investments on paper.” – March 25, 2025
