BENTONG – Perikatan Nasional (PN) is open to the possibility of collaboration with Umno for the future of the nation, said PN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He clarified that his recent remarks on the Keluar Sekejap (KS) podcast were misunderstood, particularly when headlines suggested that Umno could regain strength by merging with PN.
"I merely stated that if Umno leaders at the time had a firm stance, PN and Umno could have merged, as we already had 104 seats back then—only eight short of forming a government.
"But they chose Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, believing it would be more advantageous for them.
"Nevertheless, I did not reject the possibility of sitting down together for discussions if there was openness and opportunity, for the sake of the people's future, regardless of race or religion," he said during a press conference following the Iftar event organised by Bersatu Bentong Division on Monday.
Hamzah, who is also Bersatu's Deputy President, stressed that PN's mission was not solely for a single race but was inclusive, encompassing all layers of society, including the Chinese and Indian communities.
At the same event, Bersatu announced the inclusion of over 100 MCA Bentong members, led by former MCA Youth Secretary-General Datuk Leong Kim Soo, into the coalition.
Hamzah stated that Leong had officially left MCA and was now part of Bersatu or PN, aiming to strengthen efforts in the Bentong constituency and the state of Pahang overall.
"He declared his exit from MCA, so there was no issue of expulsion. His presence in PN added value as he brought experience and strong grassroots connections.
"More than 113 individuals joined us through him, and he mentioned that many more were expected to follow," Hamzah said.
He also highlighted Bersatu's unique structure, which included wings representing various ethnic groups, such as 'Bersatu Bersekutu', describing it as evidence that PN was truly an inclusive coalition.
Meanwhile, Hamzah expressed concern over the plight of the people, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who were increasingly burdened by various taxes and fluctuating government policies.
He said that this situation had made it difficult for many entrepreneurs to effectively plan their business costs and profits.
"In the past, they could make profits, but now everything had declined. Some had to reduce their workforce, while others couldn’t afford essential goods for Ramadan and Hari Raya.
"The government had to come down to the ground and witness the realities faced by the people, instead of being overly proud of investment figures on paper," he added.