The Dewan Rakyat was rocked by heated exchanges less than an hour after the latest parliamentary sitting began, following a dispute over the opposition leadership arrangement.
The tension started when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) questioned developments within the opposition bloc, alleging that PAS was exerting pressure on Bersatu amid confusion over changes to the opposition leadership structure.
His remarks immediately drew objections from opposition lawmakers, triggering a brief war of words across the chamber.
Opposition defends Hamzah’s position
Opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan quickly rose to defend Hamzah Zainuddin’s position as opposition leader.
He stressed that Hamzah remains a member of a registered political party and is not an independent Member of Parliament, adding that his appointment does not conflict with Article 49A of the Federal Constitution.
Takiyuddin also took the opportunity to wish all MPs a productive 16-day parliamentary session before addressing the issue raised by government lawmakers.
Verbal exchanges intensify
The situation escalated when Khoo questioned the apparent change in opposition leadership, describing it as evidence of internal conflict and claiming that PAS was “bullying Bersatu”.
In response, Takiyuddin compared the matter to political arrangements in Penang and urged Khoo to stop interfering, arguing that the Speaker had already made a ruling on the issue.
Several opposition MPs joined the exchange, including Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas), who challenged Khoo’s remarks in the chamber.
The exchanges continued until Speaker Johari Abdul intervened to restore order.
Speaker confirms opposition leader
Johari informed the House that all documents related to the opposition leadership arrangement had been examined and verified in consultation with legal advisers.
He confirmed that Hamzah had officially resumed his role as opposition leader and stated that the matter had been settled.
Johari then instructed lawmakers to move on with parliamentary business, allowing proceedings to continue as scheduled.
Earlier, the Speaker announced that Hamzah’s appointment as opposition leader took effect on June 18 following several developments since the previous parliamentary sitting and after consideration of the relevant notifications submitted under Standing Order 4A(3).
