KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin admits his current position as Opposition Leader is "hanging" following statements that an MP from PAS will helm Perikatan Nasional.
The Larut MP said the Opposition Leader in Parliament is a role determined by the support of MPs but this would require formal resolution with Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
"If you look at the Perikatan chairman's statement, he said PAS would take over. Does this mean PAS will determine the Opposition Leader or will PAS take the role?
"It is somewhat hanging," he said during a press conference held at his residence here on Tuesday (March 17).
When asked if PAS would continue to support him in the role, Hamzah merely said: "You would have to ask PAS. I do not know if PAS wants me or not."
Hamzah reaffirmed his support for Ahmad Samsuri as Perikatan chairman, describing him as a capable leader.
"I do not oppose it... by that, it means I support the leadership of Perikatan.
"PAS is seen as leading the coalition. If it were not PAS, my answer might be different," he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan did not rule out the possibility he could be Opposition Leader. He also named Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as a potential candidate.
Hamzah also dismissed rumours of his return to Umno.
"I am already at a traffic light. It is either I go forward, or turn right, or turn left. There is no going back," he said.
Using a nautical metaphor, he said he was in a ship but evaluating which fleet he should align with to reset the nation's political landscape.
"I am already in a ship. I am just waiting to see which fleet I should join."
The Opposition Leader leaned into his reputation as a political "operator".
"There should be someone who can bridge all the ships together as it can stabilise national politics. I believe I can do that.
"As the media called me before, I am an 'operator.' I can speak with everyone," he said.
He said he had deep-rooted ties across the political spectrum, pointing to his relationship with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that dates back to the 1980s and a long history of cooperation with PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang that began well before Hamzah joined Bersatu.
"How can you operate if you do not know everyone? I am friends with leaders of other parties too.
"I am not friends with the president of one party – but that is only for today," he said.
Ultimately, Hamzah said he would not be rushed into a decision.
"After Raya. Raya is 30 days, so give me about 30 days to make an announcement," he said.
