SHAH ALAM: The newly elected Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has refuted claims of a split in the party following its election early this month.
He said the party election was conducted in a "peaceful and harmonious" manner and added during the last Supreme Council Meeting for the previous term's leadership last night, that those not selected in the party leadership for the new term were still present at the meeting.
"We are all grateful to Allah because the party we love has successfully held the election peacefully and harmoniously.
"Everyone in our party has agreed, even though there were some whispers and talks, which are normal in any party.
Of course, there will be some differences, like ripples in a cup, but InshaAllah, we will emerge stronger after this," Hamzah said when launching the Bersatu wing's general assembly.
He reminded everyone to be sincere in their involvement with the party and to channel their support to party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin to continue the party's struggle and aid its development as Bersatu had just reached its eighth anniversary this year.
Hamzah was announced as the third Bersatu deputy president, replacing former Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who had served as the party secretary-general since March 2020.
Meanwhile, Faizal or better known as Peja was selected as one of the party's new vice presidents alongside Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin and Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee
Hamzah also shared his appreciation to his predecessor Faizal for his willingness to step aside from the position and become one of the party vice presidents in the new leadership line-up.
The former home minister said Bersatu had enough experience and was ready to take over the government when the time came as he claimed that the people were backing the party to lead the country.
Therefore, he said it was important for the party leaders and members to be "par excellence" in all factors, particularly by having integrity in leadership.
"If integrity does not exist within ourselves in supporting the struggle, the plans will be ruined.
Therefore, whatever we do must be done with honesty and integrity, and we must be loyal to the cause," Hamzah said.