Hamzah dealt with Zahid behind Bersatu's back, claims Muhyiddin

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin was sacked from Bersatu because he had allegedly initiated a negotiation with Umno behind the party's back.

This is according to Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, who spoke about the party disciplinary body's action against Hamzah during a recent media interview.

Muhyiddin claimed that Hamzah had committed many violations, and chief among them was being behind an alleged move that divided the party internally.

"He committed many wrongs - so many that they piled up, so as far as I know that was why he was brought before the disciplinary council.

"I think it would be inappropriate to go through them one by one because a decision has already been made, based on solid grounds for why the action was taken.

"If I were to mention some, for example, there was an instance when (Umno president) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said during a meeting that he had met and held discussions with PAS and Bersatu. Some people called it the ‘Bangkok Move’ or something like that.

"I asked about this claim in our (party) chat group. I asked: 'Who met Zahid? Who met him?' There was no answer, but I have reliable information that Hamzah met Zahid. In our party, there is discipline - and this is a serious issue," Sinar Harian reported him as saying.

The former prime minister reportedly gave an exclusive interview to selected media outlets at the Bersatu headquarters on Monday.

Muhyiddin further alleged that Hamzah was planning to bring Bersatu to cooperate with Umno and form a government.

PAS must decide soon

Meanwhile, Berita Harian reported Muhyiddin as urging PAS to name its candidate for opposition leader as soon as possible.

He said it was crucial for Perikatan Nasional to replace Hamzah immediately as the latter had been sacked from Bersatu.

READ MORE: Hamzah stays as opposition leader for now, says Takiyuddin

The Pagoh MP also chided Hamzah for refusing to step down from the position, saying that he should have some humility and do so without being asked.

"He (Hamzah) should have some humility and step down from the position.

"But since he still wants to hold it, PAS leadership should make a decision as soon as possible (on a new opposition leader) as the recent PN supreme council meeting has already agreed about the matter," he said.

Bersatu's Hamzah 18 pledged support to PAS, Samsuri: Source

Zambry: No sacked Bersatu MPs have sought to return to Umno

Radzi becomes new Malacca Bersatu chief amid wave of dissent

'Leave it to lawyers,' Bersatu co-founder says over Hamzah's RM100m suit

YOURSAY | PAS tightens grip on PN, Samsuri rises, Hamzah fades