After Pahang duo, Hilman says 'not impossible' for S'gor Bersatu reps to support MB

Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham has not ruled out his party supporting the Pakatan Harapan-led Selangor government until the end of its term.

The Gombak Setia assemblyperson was responding to the decision by two Bersatu opposition assemblypersons in Pahang to back Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Asked whether a similar arrangement could happen in Selangor, Hilman (above) said it was “not impossible”.

“Bersatu has worked with all political parties before, including BN and Harapan. The fundamental consideration is the people’s interests,” he told Malaysiakini.

His remarks come amid growing speculation over possible political realignments in Selangor ahead of the next state election.

Earlier this month, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said Harapan was open to working with any party, including Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional, provided it ensured political stability and served the people.

However, he stressed that Harapan and Bersatu had not held any serious or formal discussions in the state.

Azmin Ali, who is the Hulu Kelang assemblyperson, PN Selangor chief, and a former menteri besar, leads Bersatu in the Selangor assembly.

A possible starting point

The speculation has intensified following developments elsewhere, particularly in Pahang, where Bersatu’s only two assemblypersons - Kuala Sentul representative Jasri Jamaludin and Lepar’s Yazid Yunus - pledged support for Wan Rosdy.

Yesterday, Malacca Bersatu also indicated it was open to talks with parties that shared common ground, including Harapan, as it weighs possible political arrangements ahead of the state election.

Hilman further said voters were increasingly weary of partisan politics and wanted their concerns to be prioritised.

“The people are fed up with divisive and toxic politics that fan the flames of hatred and division.

“At this point, what they want is for whichever government is given the mandate to look after their interests,” he said.

Hilman suggested the Pahang development could serve as a starting point for similar political arrangements elsewhere.

“Therefore, perhaps Pahang is a starting point. In Selangor, it is also possible.

“Politically, Harapan may not need Bersatu. But if it happens, perhaps a convergence of ideas and thinking could strengthen programmes and initiatives for the people of Selangor,” he said.

Harapan holds 32 of the 56 seats in the Selangor assembly, while BN has two.

Bersatu holds 11 seats and PAS 10, while former Bersatu representative Abdul Rashid Asari sits as an independent supporting Amirudin’s administration.

Separately, Bersatu vice-president Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the Pahang duo’s move had been discussed with party president Muhyiddin Yassin at a recent political bureau meeting, which endorsed the decision.

Berita Harian reported Faizal as saying that Jasri and Yazid had expressed their intention to support Wan Rosdy and left the matter to Bersatu’s leadership.

“The decision is made to maintain political stability in Pahang and to ensure that the people’s welfare in the two constituencies receives attention from the state government,” said Faizal.

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