Analysts believe Hamzah Zainudin will not return to Umno, pointing to his longstanding ties with PAS and concerns among the party’s grassroots members.
Strong PAS relationship a key barrier
Syaza Shukri from International Islamic University Malaysia described Hamzah as a central figure in Perikatan Nasional because of his close relations with the Islamic party.
She noted that rejoining Umno could jeopardise the trust he has built with his current political allies.
“Even though Umno has opened its doors, the decision requires careful consideration on Hamzah’s part,” she told FMT.
Yesterday, Hamzah publicly stated he would not rejoin Umno, despite the party’s unconditional offer to former members.
Grassroots resistance and past tensions
Analysts contacted by FMT had already anticipated this outcome, even after former minister Khairy Jamaluddin suggested last Saturday that Umno’s invitation might be intended to bring Hamzah back.
Hamzah was sacked from Bersatu on February 13 during a leadership dispute with party president Muhyiddin Yassin.
Azmi Hassan from Akademi Nusantara said Umno’s grassroots members are unlikely to accept Hamzah’s faction or others seen as having betrayed the party in the past.
He suggested Hamzah could instead work with Umno through the proposed Rumah Bangsa platform or by forming a new political party.
Hamzah also stated yesterday that Umno should be included in the “Reset” agenda he is promoting.
New party or cooperation as alternatives
Syaza said establishing a new party might offer Hamzah a middle-ground option, though it would demand significant financial backing, robust political machinery, and reliable support that is far from certain.
She added, however, that some form of cooperation between Hamzah, PAS, and Umno remains possible.
“Collaboration doesn’t necessarily require party membership. It could take the form of election alliances, parliamentary cooperation, or a new political platform,” she explained.
Hamzah is reportedly preparing to join and assume leadership of Parti Keluarga Malaysia.
PAS has indicated it will not hurry decisions on the opposition leader role in Parliament, allowing Hamzah to keep the position even though PN’s Supreme Council agreed PAS should take it over.
PAS now chairs PN and holds 43 of the coalition’s 62 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
