No 'poison pen' letter culture in Bersatu, Hamzah tells members

Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin has stressed that there is no culture of “poison pen letters” within the party.

Hamzah, who is also the deputy chairperson of Perikatan Nasional, further urged that such unhealthy practices not be introduced into his party.

“Whatever challenges lie ahead, we face them together. United we stand, divided we fall.

“Do not bring in bad cultures. Do not bring into this party practices that can cause damage.

“There is no culture of poison pen letters, no culture of backstabbing - this is one big family.

“This is a party that upholds the people’s voice, that will fight for the future of our religion, race, and nation,” he said in his speech to officiate Bersatu’s 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGM) for its wings at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), in Shah Alam, today.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported on the existence of a poison pen letter disparaging Hamzah. It was revealed by Bersatu Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Azrudin Idris a few days ago.

Among other things, the letter - which emerged ahead of the party’s AGM this weekend - accused Hamzah of plotting to topple Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

The letter, which circulated on WhatsApp, also alleged that Hamzah acted as a “broker” pushing for the formation of a PN executive council.

The letter was said to have spread via local phone numbers as well as those from Thailand.

Muhyiddin questions letter’s veracity

However, in a response, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin stressed that the letter - which touched on the integrity of his deputy and the existence of “brokers” in the party - could not be taken as credible.

Met by the media after a programme in Kuala Lumpur, Muhyiddin said this was because the authenticity of its contents could not be verified.

“I usually don’t entertain poison pen letters. But as president, I take note of the matter.

“I myself don’t know the real story, whether it’s true or not, or if it was deliberately spread, or just nonsense,” he said when commenting on grassroots leaders’ criticisms of the letter.

Warning for GE16

Meanwhile, Hamzah stressed that the upcoming 16th general election (GE16) is not merely a battleground between political coalitions but a decision point for the nation’s future direction.

The Larut MP said the people must realise that this election carries a far greater mission - involving the survival of the community and the nation as a whole.

“We must realise that the coming GE is not just for Bersatu or PN, but upon all our shoulders lies a huge mission to determine the survival and destiny of the people and the nation in its entirety,” he said.

According to Hamzah, GE16 will be a “monumental crossroads” that will determine the country’s fate, and any mistake in choosing leaders will be disastrous.

“If the wrong leaders are chosen, then all the hardships, sacrifices, and struggles that have been poured into upholding the dignity of the people will collapse, be destroyed, and shattered into pieces,” he added.

Hamzah also reminded the people not to repeat past mistakes.

“Do not repeat it - don’t wait until after the fall to look up,” the opposition leader said, referring to the lessons from the last election.

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