Two analysts view Hamzah Zainudin’s readiness to succeed Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as a gentlemanly yet firm signal for leadership change.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Mazlan Ali said the deputy president’s statement serves as a subtle hint for Muhyiddin to step down, easing a smooth power transition.
“By expressing willingness to take over from Muhyiddin, Hamzah offers the former prime minister a chance to retire honourably and avoid party splits after his departure,” Mazlan told FMT.
Yet Mazlan noted that Hamzah’s move indirectly ramps up pressure on Muhyiddin, who recognises the need to quit as president to prevent internal rifts in Bersatu and strains with PAS.
Mazlan predicted Muhyiddin would likely hand over to Hamzah before the 16th general election.
“A leadership shift now can ensure Bersatu’s comeback ahead of the next polls,” he said.
Hamzah made the claim in a BFM interview last week, stating Muhyiddin plans to pass him the presidency once he steps down.
The remarks come amid growing speculation of party divisions, with more leaders urging Muhyiddin to resign.
Meanwhile, Akademi Nusantara analyst Azmi Hassan described Hamzah’s words as a tactic to press Muhyiddin into setting a handover timeline.
“It is an early strike to force Muhyiddin to pass power to him, amid whispers that Muhyiddin favours secretary-general Azmin Ali as successor,” Azmi said.
Hamzah’s approach also smartly sidelines Azmin from the race, he added.
Azmi said the statement aims to calm grassroots unrest by asking members to stay patient.
Like Mazlan, Azmi believes Muhyiddin will transfer leadership to Hamzah before the upcoming general election.
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