Mukhriz desperate for seat, hence talks with PN, Pakatan, says Hamzah

Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir is desperate for a seat and that is why the Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) president is talking to leaders from Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.

The Opposition leader was asked to comment on reports that Mukhriz was currently having separate meetings with Perikatan and Pakatan in a bid to cooperate in the upcoming state polls.

“This (separate meeting) means that he is desperate to find a seat. Let him be, it’s okay.

“As a politician, he has to (do the necessary) to survive,” said Hamzah when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby on Thursday (Feb 23).

ALSO READ: Sanusi confirms Mukhriz met with PAS leaders, says not privy to discussions

At the same time, Hamzah said discussions on seat allocations for the upcoming state polls are ongoing within Perikatan parties.

“It’s not yet finalised, but we discussed several times about the seats that will be distributed among Perikatan parties.

“We have no issues. We are like siblings,” said Hamzah.

Hamzah also said Perikatan, which consists of Bersatu, Gerakan, Sabah Progressive Party, and PAS, hasn’t decided on a logo to use in the coming six state elections.

Last Sunday (Feb 19), Kedah Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said Mukhriz had held discussions with PAS leaders recently.

On Feb 21, it was also reported that Mukhriz had met with Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar in December last year.

Mahfuz said Mukhriz had discussed with him the potential of Pejuang cooperating with Kedah Pakatan to take on the upcoming state polls.

Last month, Mukhriz announced Pejuang’s withdrawal from Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) to focus on strengthening the party.

Mukhriz also did not deny speculation that Pejuang might cooperate with Perikatan or Pakatan in the coming six state elections - Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

The six states are due for elections this year.