Hamzah Says ‘Betrayal’ Accusations Are Political Plot to Push Him Out of Bersatu
LARUT — Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainuddin has dismissed allegations that he betrayed his party, describing the claims as a political manoeuvre aimed at removing him from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.
The Larut Member of Parliament said the accusations arose because he had held meetings with several government leaders, stressing that such engagements are a normal part of democratic political practice.
Hamzah emphasised that his role as Opposition Leader requires him to engage with political figures across party lines, including government ministers, to discuss matters affecting the public.
He said meeting ministers from the ruling coalition should not be viewed as wrongdoing, but rather as part of the responsibilities of an opposition leader representing the interests of the rakyat.
“If I want to meet Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who is from DAP, what is wrong with that? I am the Opposition Leader and he is a minister,” he said.
Hamzah made the remarks when speaking to reporters after presenting contributions to mosques and surau at Madrasah Hafizah Sungai Bayor Selama in Larut.
Previously, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin alleged that the party’s former deputy president had attempted to form political alliances with other parties in order to secure the position of deputy prime minister.
Muhyiddin also claimed that Hamzah had met with Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the president of United Malays National Organisation, in discussions linked to what has been referred to as the “Bangkok Move”.
The alleged move was said to involve efforts to form a new political alignment that could reshape the balance of power within the government.
However, Hamzah questioned the basis of the allegations, arguing that meetings between political leaders from different parties are common in democratic systems.
According to him, such engagements should be viewed as efforts to discuss public issues rather than acts of disloyalty.
“If others can meet the prime minister without being labelled traitors, why am I suddenly accused of betrayal when I meet other leaders? Betrayal of whom?” he said.
Hamzah stressed that his meetings with political figures were not intended to secure his personal political survival.
Instead, he said the discussions were aimed at ensuring that the interests of the rakyat remain central in national decision-making.
He added that as a political leader he remains committed to defending matters related to religion and the interests of the Malay community.
“If someone meets certain people to save themselves, that is a different story. That is not what I am doing.
“I simply want to defend the struggle for religion and the Malay community,” he said.
The statement comes amid continued political speculation regarding Hamzah’s position within Bersatu and his interactions with leaders from other parties.
Nevertheless, he maintained that his meetings with political figures are part of his responsibilities as Opposition Leader in advocating for the people’s interests.
-wilayah.com.my
