As speculation mounts over opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin potentially taking over a political party, analysts believe his safest path lies in staying close to PAS and remaining within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Safest Option to Stay PAS-Friendly
Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said such an approach would let Hamzah function as an independent political figure while keeping the freedom to engage with other parties or coalitions.
He told FMT that Hamzah’s grassroots support remains insufficient for him to successfully form and lead a new political bloc on his own.
“Realistically, the safest option for him is to remain with PN, being PAS-friendly in particular, while he builds his image as an independent opposition figure,” he said.
“Without an official platform (like PN), his influence would erode in the long term.”
Ahmad Zaharuddin acknowledged that Hamzah would face challenges operating within PN due to his ongoing conflict with Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Recent Fallout and Reported Moves
Hamzah, the former Bersatu deputy president, along with several others, was sacked from the party last week amid a leadership struggle with Muhyiddin. He subsequently declared himself the former prime minister’s “number one enemy”.
Reports yesterday indicated that Hamzah and 16 MPs aligned with him are expected to join another political party next week.
Former Bersatu Supreme Council member Yunus Nurdin was quoted saying Hamzah would take control of a smaller party to grow his influence ahead of the 16th general election (GE16).
Potential Shift in PN Dynamics
Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia observed that Hamzah’s ability to attract more MPs could position a party under his leadership to eventually replace Bersatu within PN.
“We are seeing continuous pressure on Muhyiddin with multiple leaders resigning and declaring that divisions have supposedly been dissolved,” he said.
“All this is to pressure and shrink Muhyiddin’s influence.”
Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia said Hamzah would likely keep strong ties with PAS to ensure the party’s backing in GE16, even while operating outside Bersatu.
About The Author
