PAS MP to be new opposition leader, Takiyuddin named PN sec-gen, Azmin deputy

A PAS MP will be chosen as the new opposition leader in Parliament, replacing former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin.

In a press conference after the Perikatan Nasional supreme council meeting in Cheras today, newly appointed Perikatan Nasional chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the new name will be revealed by the end of March.

"The meeting also decided that the opposition leader's role should be held by an MP from PAS, but the name will be announced before the end of March 2026, after several internal party processes are done.

"We have one of two processes to be done from the party level, but it will be from PAS," Samsuri (above, right) said when asked about the identity of the PAS MP.

Samsuri added that Hamzah will remain the opposition leader for now.

When asked about the party's selection process for the PAS MP, PN's new secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said the Islamist party would decide on the name and would also "consider the opinions of the MPs".

"It is not binding," Takiyuddin said.

New line-up

Samsuri further said that PN will have an engagement session so that there can be a consensus on the selection of the new opposition leader.

He said the Dewan Rakyat Speaker will be notified once the new name has been confirmed.

In the new leadership line-up announced today, Azmin Ali - the former PN secretary-general who stepped down in the wake of Muhyiddin Yassin's departure as chairperson - has been appointed deputy secretary-general.

PAS central committee member Annuar Musa was appointed PN's information chief, while Radzi Jidin was named the coalition's election director, replacing Sanusi Nor, who was appointed treasurer.

Nolee Ashilin Radzi is the coalition's Women's wing chief, while Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudeen remains PN Youth chief.

Samsuri, who is also Terengganu menteri besar, said Muhyiddin was also present today, but had to leave after the meeting for a Ramadan programme in Muar.

He said the appointments of PN state liaison committee chairpersons have, however, been deferred to the next meeting after his working visits to all states after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

New party for Hamzah?

On Feb 13, Bersatu's disciplinary body sacked 17 members, including Hamzah.

The party’s disciplinary council chairperson Radzi Manan said Hamzah was dismissed for allegedly contravening Clause 9.1.4 of the party's constitution.

However, there was no mention of his specific offence.

The decision came at the height of an internal power struggle between Muhyiddin and Hamzah.

The very next day after getting booted, Hamzah launched his “reset” movement, which sparked mass resignations among division-level leaders nationwide.

The Larut MP also confirmed ongoing discussions about a possible takeover of a political entity reportedly named Parti Keluarga Malaysia, saying the negotiations were still at a technical stage.

However, checks by Malaysiakini did not find any party named Keluarga Malaysia or of a similar name in the Registrar of Societies database.

Since October last year, five other MPs aligned with Hamzah have also been sacked from Bersatu – Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor), Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang), Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota), Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik) and Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas).

Thirteen remaining Bersatu MPs, led by vice-president Ronald Kiandee, have also reaffirmed their support for Hamzah to remain as opposition leader in Parliament.

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