KUALA LUMPUR:Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said Perak should remain under Bersatu as it was held by the party's representative before the formation of the Perikatan Nasional (PN).

This, he said, was based on the consensus in the division of posts of chief ministers and Menteri Besars reached by the parties involved previously.

The Larut Member of Parliament added that the agreement was signed between UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang earlier this year.

He said the agreement on the post was reached during the formation of Perikatan Nasional at the Federal level to maintain a strong and intact political cooperation, as well as the current political needs and situation in the states under the three parties.

"During the formation of the PN Government at the central level, the position of state governments is also taken into account to ensure continuity between the leadership of the central government and the state government.

"For that purpose, political cooperation is not forged on the basis of the party with the largest number of state assemblymen alone, but it is also on the basis of tolerance and mutual agreement between all parties involved," he said in a statement today.

Apart from Perak, Hamzah also mentioned how Johor was handed back to UMNO, bringing the number of states led by the party to four, including Melaka, Perlis and Pahang.

As for PAS, an agreement was reached for the party to lead Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah while Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remained to lead Sarawak.

“Alhamdulillah, this political understanding has been proven to strengthen the leadership position of the PN government.

“In the recent Sabah State Election (PRN), PN has regained control of the state and an agreement has been reached for a Bersatu representative to hold the post of Chief Minister for the state of Sabah,” he said.

Moving forward, Hamzah said, the political understanding needs be maintained to face the 15th General Election so that the Perikatan Nasional can not only continue to rule as the central government but also succeed in taking over the state governments under the opposition (Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang).

To ensure the continuity of the consensus, he suggested that a big conception be formally created to symbolise the union of all three major party coalitions with the PN-led government today, namely the Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

"The idea will raise the vision and aspirations fought for by the political parties affiliated under it.

“Therefore, a Charter of Political Understanding between these three coalitions must be realised immediately.

"With the signing of this charter, the people will be more confident that the idea has strong political stability and the ability to continue to govern the country through policies to develop the economy, develop the country and defend the people in the future," he added.

Hamzah said, as an inclusive idea, all party leaders who joined it should be given equal space and opportunity to voice their opinions and views.

"Taking into account the wishes of all parties, no matter how big or small, no matter how they represent any race, ethnicity and religion, this idea will be able to produce a manifesto that truly meets the needs of all levels of Malaysians.

"I am confident that if all leaders are truly sincere to determine the future of a better country, God willing, this country will be a country of pride for its people and respected by the world," he added.