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PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is set to proceed with disciplinary action against its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today, despite his absence overseas, as internal tensions threaten to destabilise the party’s top leadership.
The decision to continue with the hearing has been framed by party insiders as part of an effort to confront simmering disputes and reset the party’s direction amid mounting dissent.
A source told News Straits Times the proceedings were essential to address internal issues and rejuvenate the party, adding: “We believe that even if Hamzah were not overseas, he would not attend.”
Hamzah, who serves as Member of Parliament for Larut and is Leader of the Opposition, has been summoned to assist investigations into his alleged role in disruptions during the party’s annual general assembly and alleged verbal attacks on party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
A second summons dated Feb 6, signed by disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan, stated that four complaints had been lodged against him. The complaints are dated Sept 30 last year and Feb 5.
His private secretary, Ahmad Ikhwan Fadhli, confirmed that Hamzah would miss the hearing as he is currently in Australia to assist his daughter with university enrolment.
Speculation that Hamzah could face expulsion has heightened friction within Bersatu over the past week. The strain became more visible when vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee publicly called on Muhyiddin to step down as party president.
“I won't be surprised if Kiandee quits if Hamzah is sacked. To me, it is good riddance,” the source said.
Despite acknowledging what were described as “dark days” for the party, the source suggested there may be “light at the end of the tunnel”, pointing to the possibility of special party elections to fill any leadership vacancies that may arise.
The disciplinary process is widely viewed as a pivotal moment for Bersatu, with its outcome expected to shape the party’s leadership configuration and internal cohesion at a critical juncture for the opposition bloc. - February 12, 2026