GE15: Perikatan-Pejuang alliance? Not so fast, says Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: Proposals to cooperate with Pejuang in the 15th General Election will not be easily approved, as the matter will be discussed with Perikatan Nasional coalition members, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

The Bersatu secretary-general was referring to a remark by Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who recently said the issue of cooperating with Pejuang would be considered.

This means that the matter (of working with Pejuang) has to be brought to the highest meeting and it has to be discussed with Perikatan coalition parties.

“We will not easily say ‘yes’ just because we still have friends in the coalition,” said Hamzah after officiating the NRD’s 74th-anniversary celebration in Putrajaya on Monday (Oct 17).

Hamzah also quipped about Gabungan Tanah Air (GTA)’s current registration status with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

“GTA? are they registered?” Hamzah jibed.

It was reported on Sept 23 that GTA received preliminary approval from the ROS.

GTA, formed on Aug 4 and led by Pejuang, previously stated that it wanted to contest 120 parliamentary seats in the country.

GTA comprises of Pejuang, Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) and Parti Perikatan India Muslim Nasional (Iman).

Meanwhile, Hamzah said Perikatan was prepared to take on the national polls.

“Whether it’s the mother or father of all elections, we must be ready to determine the political landscape of this country, which will also show the maturity of voters in this country,” he said.

Hamzah was also confident that Malaysians were mature enough to make a decision on which party to vote for.

“Our country needs leaders who are responsible and of integrity.

“I feel that voters are not smart enough to decide for the future of the country,” said Hamzah.

At the same time, Hamzah said that in the event of floods, the National Registration Department (NRD) is ready to assist with the issuance of identification documents through its “Menyemai Kasih Rakyat” (Mekar) programme.

“We are always ready because in Malaysia, the floods happen in ‘pockets’ and it does not happen simultaneously.

“For example, the recent floods in Langkawi, Johor, Sarawak and others, were ‘pockets’ of floods.

“We are ready to send (Mekar) to certain places and we are ready for ‘pockets’ of floods.

Mekar was an on-the-field programme for the issuance of identification documents such as Mykad and birth certificate for the disabled, senior citizens, bedridden patients and those living in the interiors.

Hamzah also said it was important for Mekar to be ready, as identification documents are crucial for Malaysians who will vote in GE15.

“A low turnout isn’t suitable for a sovereign and civilised country,” added Hamzah.

The Election Commission is scheduled to announce the dates of nomination and polling for GE15 on Oct 20.