Party shifts focus, sets sights on Negri Sembilan seats
PETALING JAYA: Parti Cinta Malaysia, which has been rebranded as Parti Wawasan Negara, will not contest the Johor election, but will instead take part in the Negri Sembilan polls, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic).
Its president said while the party would sit out this time, the decision however, should not be interpreted as lack of support for any political bloc.
“Not contesting does not mean we are not supporting any candidates. We will announce our support for candidates whom we believe are capable and qualified to govern Johor.
“I will make that announcement after the party’s supreme council meeting, to be held soon,” he told a press conference.
On Monday, Perikatan Nasional approved the applications of Parti Cinta Malaysia and Parti Pejuang Tanah Air to join the coalition.
This brings the total number of parties in the coalition to six, with others being Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan and Malaysian Indian People’s Party.
Hamzah said the Johor election was important, given the state’s strategic role in national economy.
Describing Johor as one of the country’s largest and most significant states, he said voters should choose leaders who are capable of driving the state’s development and safeguarding the people’s interests.
“The interests of the people must come first. Those elected must be able to continue the Johor’s progress and development,” he said.
On the Negri Sembilan election, Hamzah confirmed that Parti Wawasan Negara would field candidates.
“We will contest in Negri Sembilan. Let me make it clear that this has been confirmed,” he said.
On whether Wawasan would cooperate with Bersatu within the Perikatan fold, Hamzah said he would wait for Bersatu’s response before deciding on the future of their relationship.
“I am observing how they respond to this matter.
“If they want to be adversaries, then we will be adversaries. If they regard us as friends, we will take that into consideration,” he said.
Hamzah was Bersatu deputy president before he was sacked from the party in February.
