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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has distanced himself from the internal upheaval within Bersatu following the dismissal of its former deputy president, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, saying he has no intention of intervening at this stage.
Anwar, who is also president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat, likewise declined to comment on whether a new Opposition Leader should be appointed after Hamzah, who held the post, was expelled from Bersatu last Friday.
“Let them fight it out first,” he said tersely when approached after a meeting with Johor PKR leaders in Johor Bharu today.
Also present were PKR Women’s chief and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Johor PKR state leadership council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and state council secretary Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar.
Last Friday, Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the decision to expel Hamzah was made by the party’s Disciplinary Board in accordance with Clause 22.5 of its constitution.
Hamzah was reported to have failed to attend disciplinary proceedings scheduled at Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya after being summoned.
According to the notice previously issued, he was called to answer allegations relating to criticism and attacks against party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, as well as issues concerning negotiations involving the party president within Perikatan Nasional.
Anwar arrived at the Johor event at about 2.20pm to chants of “reformasi” from more than 1,000 party members.
Asked about the substance of his address to Johor PKR leaders, Anwar said the focus was on strengthening unity and work ethic within the state chapter.
“Work hard, work diligently as one team,” he said, urging members to work diligently and cohesively.
The Johor programme follows similar engagements attended by Anwar in Perak yesterday and Kedah the day before, as he continues nationwide meetings with party leadership. - February 15, 2025