SHAH ALAM, Sept 6 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today declared his party the most inclusive in the nation’s political history, dismissing claims it only serves Malays and Bumiputera.
Hamzah pointed to the inclusion of non-Malay leaders within the party and urged its leaders to counter such perceptions and highlight Bersatu’s openness to all communities.
“Tell them, tell every one of them, this is the only party that is the most inclusive in the history of our nation’s politics,” he said in his speech at the opening of the eight-year-old party’s annual general assembly for its wings here.
Speaking later at a press conference, Hamzah acknowledged Bersatu was initially seen as Malay- and Bumiputera-centric but insisted the label was inaccurate.
“When we founded Bersatu, the public perception was that it was only for the Malays and Bumiputera. But that is misguided, because it is also open to non-Bumiputera,” he said.
He pointed to the appointment of associate wing chief Chong Fat Full in Bersatu’s leadership as proof of the party’s inclusiveness.
Hamzah also stressed that despite the perception, Bersatu is not exclusive to any single race.
“Even though some may feel this party only fights for the Malays and Bumiputera, that is not true. We are very inclusive,” he added.
Currently, Bersatu’s full membership remains limited to Malays and Bumiputera, while non-Malays can only join as associate members.
