PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has retracted his “palui” (stupid) remark made at a recent ceramah in Sabah, says a Bersatu leader.
Sabah Bersatu deputy chief Affan Jumahat also said Hamzah did not aim the remark at Sabahans, but at the state government.
“The opposition leader was not referring to Sabahans when he said ‘palui’, he was referring to the irresponsible attitude of the state leadership.
“Hamzah also immediately withdrew his statement in the same speech he made (at the ceramah),” Affan, a Bersatu Supreme Council member, said in a statement today.
He accused Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor of using the remark made by Hamzah to distract Sabahans from issues plaguing the state.
Yesterday, Hajiji slammed Hamzah over his remark, saying it was insulting to Sabahans, and that the Bersatu deputy president should leave his political culture in West Malaysia.
The chief minister said Sabahans prioritised harmony and politicking courteously, and that Hamzah’s way of politicking did not suit the Bornean state.
Hamzah, who is also the Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman, was in Sabah last week with several Bersatu leaders, holding ceramahs to canvass for support ahead of the state election, which must be held by December.
His “palui” remark led to a pro-Hajiji NGO filing police reports against him.
