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OPPOSITION Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has added a new layer of intrigue to Malaysian politics by hinting that his much-discussed “new home” could, in fact, be an existing political party within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition rather than a newly formed entity.
The former deputy president of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) acknowledged that confusion had arisen over his choice of words.
“When we speak of a new home, is it a new party or an existing one? The answer is that it is not necessarily a newly established party,” Hamzah said.
Speaking to reporters after attending a unity-themed gathering at the Terengganu Sports Complex on Saturday, Hamzah further clarified: “Yes... it could be an existing party. God willing, what is wrong with (joining PAS)? To me, that is my new home, but that home may already exist.”
His comments have intensified speculation that he may be considering an alignment with the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), a key member of the PN coalition.
When asked whether the party would newly join PN or is already part of the coalition, Hamzah remained deliberately ambiguous: “Joining or already in Perikatan Nasional? That is why I said earlier we have to wait. It is my new party, but that party may already be in PN.”
Despite leaving Bersatu, Hamzah dismissed criticism over his political manoeuvres, insisting that he remains loyal to the opposition coalition.
“I am still with Perikatan Nasional. Today I contested based on the mandate given by Perikatan Nasional,” he said.
Meanwhile, PAS has rejected claims that it wants Hamzah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Larut, to retain the Opposition Leader post, affirming its intention to assume the role and is to name a successor ahead of the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told Mingguan Malaysia that the party’s plans were clear:
“We have stated that PAS will take over the position of Opposition Leader, and it will be announced before the next Dewan Rakyat sitting.”
Pressed on whether a candidate had already been selected, he added: “There is a candidate. There is no issue regarding that.”
The leadership shuffle follows the decision by PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar on March 14 to appoint a PAS MP as Opposition Leader after Hamzah’s expulsion from Bersatu on February 13.
Although the replacement was expected before the end of March, PAS has yet to officially announce the successor.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang emphasised that the appointment will be determined collectively by PN component parties, stating: “The matter of the Opposition Leader will be discussed with all parties in PN as it involves all component parties and opposition MPs.
“PN is not just PAS, even though we are the largest party in the coalition, but PAS will still take into account the views of other parties.”
With the next parliamentary sitting scheduled for June, the debate over the Opposition Leader role continues to shape the evolving political landscape of Malaysia, as Hamzah’s “new home” and PAS’s intentions remain under close scrutiny. - April 5, 2026
