Opposition leader candidate to be revealed by end March
KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS MP will replace Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as Opposition Leader, says Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
He said the coalition’s supreme council had decided on the change, and the name of the new Opposition Leader would be announced before the end of the month, after which Parliament would be informed.
Ahmad Samsuri made the announcement after chairing his first supreme council meeting yesterday, following his appointment as Perikatan chairman on Feb 22.
The meeting was attended by all 15 members of the supreme council, including Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“Hamzah, the Larut MP will remain as Opposition Leader until PAS selects its candidate,” Ahmad Samsuri said.
Hamzah, who was Bersatu deputy president, was sacked from the party last month along with more than a dozen others over allegations they had attempted to destabilise the party and undermine the president.
The sacking raised questions over the position of Opposition Leader.
Ahmad Samsuri said the meeting also appointed Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin as Perikatan election director, while Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was named coalition treasurer.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has been appointed Perikatan secretary-general while Tan Sri Annuar Musa is the coalition’s information chief.
“The meeting’s main agenda was the selection and appointment of Perikatan party office-bearers, in accordance with Clause 8.2 and Clause 8.3 of the party Constitution.
“The appointment of state liaison committee chairpersons has been postponed to the next meeting, after the Perikatan chairman completes working visits to all states following Hari Raya celebrations.
“We also discussed preparations for the Melaka state election which is expected to be held any time soon,” said Ahmad Samsuri.
