Bersatu has many emerging leaders, says Faizal Azumu

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has many successors including its Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, who is capable of leading the party in the future.

Its Deputy President Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said qualifications for the party’s leadership was not only measured by capabilities alone but also takes into account other aspects.

For example, he said, potential leaders need to have high party values and loyal to the President, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"In my opinion, Hamzah is not only a future leader but also a current leader. He plays an important role as the Secretary-General of Bersatu, not only within Bersatu but also within PN (Perikatan Nasional).

"The crucial thing is that all leaders collaborate and have strong loyalty to Tan Sri (Muhyiddin)," he told reporters after officiating the opening ceremony of the sixth Annual General Assembly of Bersatu's Armada and Srikandi at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here on Thursday.

He said this when asked to comment on Muhyiddin's statement that referred to Hamzah as a future leader in Bersatu.

Meanwhile, when asked when the party elections would be held, he said it would likely be next year.

“It is clear that the elections will only be held next year; we have decided to postpone the elections as allowed by the constitution, and it can only be done next year.

"I hope there will be no changes (in leadership) in the near future," he added.

Muhyiddin, in an exclusive interview with Sinar recently, revealed that he did not rule out the possibility of holding the Supreme Leadership Council and party division elections earlier than the 18-month suspension period as decided earlier.

However, he said the official decision on this would be determined at the meeting that would take place concurrently assembly, which started today.

Back in May, Hamzah announced that the party elections for the Supreme Council and division levels would be postponed for a period not exceeding 18 months. He said the postponement was made to allow the party to focus and prepare for the state elections in six states.

However, he said, this postponement does not apply to elections at the branch level.