KUALA LUMPUR: After being sacked from Bersatu, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has set his sights to take over a political outfit known as Parti Keluarga Malaysia to continue his political journey.
Confirming his move, Hamzah said discussions are underway on how the takeover will happen.
“We are discussing technical matters,” the Opposition leader told reporters yesterday.
When asked if “taking over” meant he would become Parti Keluarga Malaysia president, Hamzah shot back with a smile: “Can I become president?”
Previously, Parti Keluarga Malaysia founder Khairi Jaya said the way was being paved for Hamzah to assume the party’s top post, adding that discussions were almost final.
Khairi said he had met Hamzah and several other sacked Bersatu MPs, including Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, at least twice to discuss the move.
“Our latest discussion took place last Thursday (Feb 26). I can say it’s 90% confirmed that Hamzah will be taking over Parti Keluarga Malaysia,” he was quoted as saying.
Khairi said that once Hamzah and his allies joined Parti Keluarga Malaysia, an internal election would be held to allow the Larut MP to be formally elected as party president, with amendments to the party’s constitution already under way.
Hamzah was expelled from Bersatu amid an intense leadership tussle with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Since October, five other MPs aligned with Hamzah have also been sacked from Bersatu – Wan Saiful, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang), Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota), Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik) and Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas).
Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said Hamzah is still the Opposition leader, adding that his office had yet to receive any official documents stating or naming any other candidates for the position.
“This is not a matter under the House. It is for the parties themselves to decide, I do not want to interfere.
“As long as I have not received the letter, then YB Larut is still the Opposition leader,” he said in response to a question from Bukit Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, who wanted to know who the Opposition leader is after Hamzah was sacked by Bersatu.
