In a surprising political shift, Abdul Hakim Hamidi, the younger brother of UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has officially joined PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia), marking what some are calling a “historic day” for the Islamic party.
Abdul Hakim made his move public by handing over his membership form to PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the party’s headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur. The announcement was shared in a Facebook post by Parit Buntar MP, Misbahul Munir Masduki, who was present during the registration.
The event, captured in a brief video, shows Hakim signing an official logbook while Misbahul congratulates him on becoming a lifelong member of PAS. The 28-second clip also features moments of Hakim meeting other prominent PAS leaders, including Abdul Hadi and Bachok MP Syahir Sulaiman.
Misbahul described the occasion as a milestone, suggesting that Hakim’s membership will strengthen ties between PAS and UMNO members who prioritize Islamic values and unity. "We hope his presence will further solidify the relationship with UMNO leaders who are committed to a united front based on Islamic principles," he added.
In a statement following his registration, Hakim explained that his decision to join PAS should not come as a surprise, given his family’s deep connection with the party. His father, Hamidi Abdul Fatah, was a religious teacher and an active PAS member long before Zahid aligned with UMNO.
“When my brother joined UMNO, my father saw it as a platform for Malays committed to upholding Islam, and so he followed. However, his heart remained loyal to PAS,” Hakim revealed, noting that his father continued subscribing to Harakah, PAS's official newspaper, throughout his life.
Hakim also expressed disillusionment with UMNO's current state, stating that the party no longer embodies the ideals it once championed. "I’ve watched as UMNO has weakened over the years. My faith in its original mission has faded. That realization led me back to my family’s roots in PAS, as I believe that only PAS is still capable of defending Malay rights and upholding Islam in our homeland," he said.
Despite his political realignment, Hakim emphasized that his decision does not affect his personal relationships with Zahid or the rest of his family. “Our parties may differ, but the ties of kinship will never break,” he reassured, adding that his bond with his brother remains strong.
Hakim’s move to PAS comes at a time when the political landscape in Malaysia continues to shift, with increasing polarization among major political parties. His defection may raise questions about the broader dynamics within UMNO and its relationships with other political groups.
For PAS, which has long held a strong religious and Malay nationalist platform, the inclusion of Zahid’s brother could signal an opportunity to forge closer ties with UMNO members who share similar values, even as the two parties navigate their distinct political identities.
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