Factionalism is like 'cancer' to Bersatu's unity, says Azmin ally

Bersatu Youth chief candidate Muhammad Hilman Idham said he does not represent any factions in the party elections.

Known as an ally of Bersatu supreme council member Azmin Ali, even during their time in PKR, he emphasised that factions within a party complicate unity.

“As I have stated, we believe that factions and factionalism are a cancer that will not aid in the effort to unify the party.

“We want to strengthen this party in line with the ideals of Bersatu, which we have asserted must be an inclusive, progressive, and caring party,” he said.

Hilman spoke to reporters at an event in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, last night which introduced several candidates competing in the upcoming Bersatu elections.

When asked if the candidates announced were led by him representing Azmin’s team, he replied, “I believe Azmin was not present.

“I am a supporter (of Azmin). However, we shouldn’t blame others for coming today. Some came from Pagoh (the constituency of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin). Some are supporters of Wan Saiful (Wan Jan).

“Azmin is not contesting. As I emphasised, why should we be factional within the party?

“We must outline the values of unity as our name suggests, and today Bersatu Youth firmly upholds the principles of the party,” he said.

During the event, Hilman also confirmed he would be contesting the Youth chief position in a one-on-one match against Akmal Zahin Zainal Zahir.

In addition to Hilman, the event also introduced candidates for other positions within the Youth, Women, Associate wings, and the Supreme Leadership Council.

Bersatu election candidates

At a press conference yesterday, it was confirmed that Muhyiddin is defending the presidency unopposed in the party elections later this month.

Hamzah Zainudin, who is the current party secretary-general, is the sole candidate to replace Ahmad Faizal Azumu as Muhyiddin’s deputy.

Meanwhile, Faizal is “downgrading” this election as he aims for one of the three vice president positions.

The other candidates for the vice president roles include incumbents Radzi Jidin and Ronald Kiandee.

Alongside Faizal, Radzi, and Ronald, other contenders for Bersatu’s leadership include Bersatu information chief Razali Idris, Kuang assemblyperson Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah, and Batu Kawan Bersatu member A’ziss Zainal Abidin.

Another vice president, Azmin Ali, will not participate in this election and is believed to be poised for appointment as the secretary-general, replacing Hamzah.

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