Hamzah retains Opposition leader post despite expulsion from Bersatu

LocalPolitics
26 Feb 2026 • 2:11 PM MYT
The Vibes
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DATUK Seri Hamzah Zainuddin will remain as Opposition Leader for now, with Perikatan Nasional confirming that neither his position nor the seating arrangement of the expelled Bersatu MPs in the Dewan Rakyat will be altered.

The matter was confirmed by Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan after a meeting with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul this morning.

Takiyuddin said there had been no formal notification from opposition Members of Parliament seeking any change in the leadership of the bloc.

“I met the Speaker at 11am today. When we discussed the matter, I referred to his statement. As of now, Hamzah remains the Opposition Leader. He agreed, and at this point that is the position.

“There has been no notification from the group regarding the position of the Opposition Leader. So there is nothing. There are also no changes to seating arrangements.

“We only have two days of the sitting left. So, we do not think of making any changes for now. The time is very short.

“We will discuss any possible changes at a later time. There has been no decision at this stage,” he told a press conference in Parliament.

The confirmation comes amid earlier indications from PAS that a candidate from the party would be appointed as the new Opposition Leader following Hamzah’s recent expulsion from Bersatu.

According to a notice issued by Bersatu Disciplinary Board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan, Hamzah’s membership was terminated for breaching Clause 9.1.4 of the party constitution.

Despite his expulsion, sources indicated that more than 60 opposition MPs have expressed support for Hamzah to continue leading the opposition bloc — effectively securing a majority within the ranks to retain the Larut MP at the helm in the Dewan Rakyat.

The decision, at least for now, quells speculation of an immediate leadership reshuffle within the opposition as the current parliamentary sitting draws to a close. - February 26, 2026