KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor Bersatu Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali has been urged to accept the offer to become the party's new Secretary-General.
Bersatu Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin revealed that the offer was made by the party's President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after thorough consideration of Azmin’s qualifications for the role.
"When the President makes a request, it means we have already thought through all aspects and believe he is qualified for the role and should accept it.
"However, he has not outright rejected it; instead, he said he would consider it.
"That’s a good approach. A leader shouldn’t immediately accept a position when offered but should take time to think it over.
"When he responds that he will consider it, that’s a positive sign. Sometimes, in our culture, when someone says they’ll think about it, we misinterpret it as a rejection because we expect a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’,” Hamzah said.
Hamzah shared these remarks during an interview with Sinar, at his office in Bukit Tunku recently, in response to questions about whether Bersatu truly need Azmin’s services as the new Secretary-General.
At the Bersatu Convention on July 13, Muhyiddin had proposed a "compromise” team, suggesting that the Deputy President position be handed to Hamzah.
This arrangement followed an agreement by the incumbent, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, to step back and instead contest for the Vice President role in the party elections.
For the Secretary-General role, Muhyiddin recommended and offered the position to Azmin, who is regarded as a prominent figure capable of fulfilling the responsibilities, given his political experience.
Meanwhile, Hamzah also spoke about Bersatu’s upcoming Annual General Assembly (PAT), scheduled for the end of this month.
He highlighted its importance in motivating members and reaffirming the party’s relevance and strength.
"We are a party with an ideology that appeals to everyone and is highly inclusive.
"Bersatu also recognises leaders from the newly established non-Malay wing, equating them to the rank of Vice President,” he said.
However, he clarified that the inclusion of the non-Malay wing would not compromise Bersatu's foundational focus on Malays and Bumiputeras.
Instead, it represents the party’s inclusivity and commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities towards non-Malays and non-Bumiputeras as well.