Opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin engaged in a sharp exchange with Khoo Poay Tiong (PH–Kota Melaka) in the Dewan Rakyat, as the latter persistently pressed him to disclose Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) prime ministerial candidate during a debate on the Supply Bill 2026 (Budget 2026).
Hamzah responded with a quip, suggesting that Khoo’s curiosity could be satisfied by joining PN. “All of us already know who the candidate is. If you want to know, please join PN,” he said, drawing chuckles from some members of the House.
Persistent Questioning Meets Firm Rebuttal
Despite not being granted the floor to interject, Khoo stood up multiple times to challenge Hamzah, implying that the opposition leader’s reluctance suggested uncertainty about the candidate. “Judging by your answer, you don’t know who the candidate is,” Khoo remarked.
Hamzah, visibly irked, retorted sharply: “Even if I tell him, it’s not like he’s going to vote for us. So, there’s no need to be nosy. This is our business. I’m getting angry now. Kota Melaka is really all over the place.” His response underscored his frustration and desire to keep PN’s internal deliberations private.
PN’s Vision for a New National Consensus
Concluding his debate, Hamzah outlined PN’s broader commitments under the New National Consensus (Konsensus Nasional Baharu). He presented it as a framework aimed at elevating Malaysia’s standing and delivering meaningful progress for its people.
“This consensus will be elevated as a national agenda through which we will offer something better to the people of Malaysia. A consensus to make this country great again. We were once called the Asian Tiger, and we can achieve that again—under the leadership of Perikatan Nasional,” Hamzah declared, reaffirming PN’s ambition to restore Malaysia’s economic and regional prominence.
Khoo’s persistent inquiries continued even as Hamzah wrapped up, highlighting the ongoing tension between the opposition and government MPs over PN’s leadership plans.
