Faizal, also known as Peja, said he and Hamzah maintain close communications and collaboration in managing party affairs, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“Hamzah is with me almost every day for meetings, and even when we’re not face-to-face, we stay in touch by phone,” he was quoted as saying.

Faizal also revealed that he was the one who submitted Hamzah’s nomination form for deputy president, which was seconded by Ronald Kiandee.

“Meanwhile, my nomination form for a vice-president’s position was put forth by Hamzah and backed by Ronald,” he said.

Under a plan proposed by party president Muhyiddin in July, Faizal will step down as deputy president and make way for Hamzah, who has been Bersatu secretary-general since 2020, to assume his post after the party elections in November.

On July 13, following Bersatu’s convention at Selayang, Selangor, Muhyiddin said Faizal agreed to give way to Hamzah in recognition of Hamzah’s contributions as Perikatan Nasional secretary-general and parliamentary opposition leader.

On a separate matter, Faizal cautioned members against becoming overly eager to align themselves with certain figures in the party, saying that unity within Bersatu should remain paramount.

“I see this movement happening, and I acknowledge it. It’s not about forming ‘camps,’ but some members are trying to depend on the influence of certain leaders,” he said.

He called for sincerity and honesty among members, emphasising the need for quality ideas to enhance voter support for the party.

“Our struggle must be sincere and honest, and we should focus on ideas that can develop the party and present ourselves as quality Bersatu members,” he said.