KUALA LUMPUR: The PAS leadership must immediately name a new Opposition Leader to replace Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as it involves Perikatan Nasional's image and dignity, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Bersatu president said Hamzah was no longer a member of either Perikatan or Bersatu after being sacked from the party last month.
"He (Hamzah) is not entitled to continue holding the position," Sinar Harian quoted him as saying on Tuesday (March 3).
"I have already told them, and the council members know that Hamzah is no longer eligible to sit there because he is not a member... the position should be vacated, and filled by a representative from PAS.
"That is the decision... agreed upon," he said.
Muhyiddin, who is Perikatan deputy chairman, said that according to the process, PAS needs to decide which MP should lead the Opposition and inform the Dewan Rakyat Speaker accordingly.
However, he added, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang had told him that some time was needed to discuss the matter.
"I want to (say this) through the media so that the PAS leadership makes a decision immediately.
"Otherwise, it will affect the image of Perikatan Nasional.
"Hamzah should feel ashamed because he has no locus standi... the validity of that can be questioned.
"If there is no validity, no locus standi, you cannot sit there (as Opposition Leader) anymore. It is not valid for him to sit there," Muhyiddin said.
He added that Hamzah became Opposition Leader because he was nominated by the party.
"Now he is no longer eligible to be in that position.
"So we propose that it is someone from PAS, the party with the most seats.
"This means that we leave it to PAS to make a decision immediately.
"As long as no new name is put forward, Hamzah will still be there.
"He should realise that he does not have the right to sit there, he should resign, quit, vacate the seat.
"Tell the Speaker, I will no longer be the Opposition Leader. This issue should be resolved immediately," he said.
When asked whether his stance contradicted the 13 Bersatu MPs who support Hamzah staying on as Opposition Leader, Muhyiddin said that it was the opinion of the MPs, not the party.
"We do not ask (individual) MPs about this, as it is a party policy decision.
"MPs should accept the nomination that comes from the party," he said.
