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PERIKATAN Nasional (PN) is set to formally notify the Dewan Rakyat Speaker of a vacancy in the Opposition Leader’s post following the resignation of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, with the process expected to be completed on Monday (April 13).
PN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar confirmed that Hamzah, the Member of Parliament for Larut, submitted his resignation letter on April 11, effectively vacating the position.
He said the coalition has instructed its secretary-general, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, to forward an official notification to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
“We are planning to submit the formal letter of vacancy by Monday, April 13, as Sunday is a public holiday,” he said during a press conference at the PAS Johor State Hari Raya Open House today.
Ahmad Samsuri indicated that while the process of appointing a new Opposition Leader may take different forms, the coalition expects to resolve the matter promptly.
Ahmad Samsuri said the position can be filled in various ways in due time. “By the time we enter the next sitting, I believe we will have an Opposition Leader,” he said.
He added that discussions within PN are ongoing and that the leadership transition is being handled in an orderly manner ahead of the next parliamentary session.
On March 14, Ahmad Samsuri said that Hamzah would remain as Opposition Leader until PAS selects a replacement.
Hamzah was expelled from Bersatu on Feb 13 over allegations that he had sabotaged Muhyiddin and the party.
Hamzah, who has the backing of a majority of Bersatu MPs, has stated that he remains loyal to PN.
Separately, Ahmad Samsuri reiterated PAS’s longstanding support for the proposed Political Financing Bill, noting that the party has backed the initiative from the outset.
“Before a Bill is tabled, even before the framework is finalised, there must be discussions with political parties represented in the Dewan Rakyat and those without representation too.
"It’s not about rushing, but about ensuring that when the bill is tabled in Parliament, it can be passed smoothly, unlike some proposed acts in the past that were rejected at the parliamentary stage," he said. - April 12, 2026