Bersatu chief whip Ronald Kiandee has confirmed that a majority of the party’s MPs support retaining Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader.
Letter confirms majority backing
In a letter dated February 24 to Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan, which was sighted by FMT, Kiandee stated that 13 Bersatu MPs had reached a collective and majority decision to endorse the Larut MP continuing in the role, in accordance with parliamentary standing orders.
Kiandee verified the letter’s authenticity in a short response to FMT.
The letter also noted that Bersatu MPs would keep their focus on addressing public concerns, highlighting national issues, and serving responsibly as a check and balance, especially with the current parliamentary session approaching its conclusion.
List of supporting MPs
An attachment to the letter named the 13 MPs who backed the decision: Kiandee, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, Rosol Wahid, Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail, Muslimin Yahaya, Abdul Khalib Abdullah, Khairil Nor, Zakri Hassan, Roslan Hashim, Nordin Ahmad Ismail, Kalam Salan, and Islahuddin Abbas.
Hamzah Zainudin was expelled from Bersatu on February 13 during a leadership dispute with party president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Context of opposition role
Previously, Takiyuddin, who also serves as PAS secretary-general, indicated that PN component parties had agreed for PAS to take over the opposition leader position, though he mentioned the party required time to select a candidate.
Last week, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul stated that Hamzah remained in the role, as PN had not formally notified him of any changes.
Hamzah assumed the opposition leader position in 2022 after the unity government was formed, following a proposal by PAS, even as Muhyiddin continued as PN chairman at that time.
About The Author
