Hamzah reveals new 'Wawasan Negara' party, reappointed as opposition leader

Former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin has announced the formation of a new party, Parti Wawasan Negara, which will be aligned with opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional.

Speaking at the Reset convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan today, Hamzah said the party will hold its first annual general meeting next week as part of initial measures to solidify its organisational structure.

Hamzah added that the party’s name was approved by PAS’ leadership, including party president Abdul Hadi Awang.

“The party’s name was given by my father (figure), Ayoh Chik (Hadi),” he said.

The former minister also said the new party is still in its early stages and will require political leadership guidance, saying: “We have just been born.”

“If we are not nurtured and guided by Hadi, we do not know where we would end up,” he stressed, affirming that his involvement in the new party will not change his political stance with PN.

The event today, which was launched by Hadi, also saw the attendance of PN chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Gerakan president Dominic Lau, and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nassuruddin Daud.

Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan previously described Reset as a multiracial people’s movement united over a common goal to ensure the country enjoys shared prosperity in a fair manner while establishing humane governance in Malaysia.

Hamzah had launched the movement on Feb 14, alongside supporting MPs and grassroots members, a day after his sacking from Bersatu.

Since then, Bersatu has been left with six MPs, including party president and Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin, Radzi Jidin (Putrajaya), Suhaimi Abdullah (Langkawi), Nazri Abu Hassan (Merbok), Azman Nasrudin (Padang Serai), and Ali Biju (Saratok).

The remaining 19 MPs elected from Bersatu under the PN banner, including Hamzah and Wan Saiful, have all either been suspended or sacked.

‘Pressured by Bersatu’

Meanwhile, in his officiating speech at the Reset convention today, Hadi said PAS and its allies within PN have decided to retain Hamzah as its parliamentary opposition leader.

“Bersatu (previously) pressured us, asking us to appoint (an opposition leader) quickly, and not elect Hamzah, (but) I said that cannot be done.

“We have to take into account the views of all MPs, not just those from PAS, and we have received those views. Therefore, PAS has decided to agree to continue with Hamzah as the opposition leader,” the Marang MP added.

Previously, on May 16, PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed Samsuri’s appointment as the new parliamentary opposition leader to replace Hamzah.

Two days later, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s Office was notified of Samsuri’s appointment via a notice from the PN chief whip’s office.

The post was previously elevated to ministerial level during former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s administration, and comes complete with perks.

READ MORE: PN meeting next week to discuss Bersatu's future, Hamzah's entry

Hadi further stated that an announcement on several prominent figures joining the Islamist party will be made at an event in Negeri Sembilan tonight.

“Tonight, in Negeri Sembilan, it will be announced that several prominent political figures, former ministers, former exco members, NGO figures, and trade union leaders will join our party (PAS).

“This is a surprising decision. God willing, we will bring about change that will mobilise our machinery towards a transformation that will save the country,” he said.

Hadi: Bersatu's status as PN member lies with Gerakan, MIPP

Hadi to launch Hamzah's Reset convention

PN meeting next week to discuss Bersatu's future, Hamzah's entry

Tun Faisal rejects Hadi’s claims that Bersatu blocked other parties' participation in PN

Hadi opens fire on Bersatu, lists series of allegations behind 'divorce'