PETALING JAYA: PAS’ decision to reappoint Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as Opposition Leader signals the party’s growing influence in shaping Perikatan Nasional’s future direction, say political pundits.
They view the move as part of PAS’s broader political calculations, arguing that the party sees the former Bersatu leader as a key figure in its future plans and an increasingly influential player within the opposition.
Political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the choice of the former Bersatu deputy president was less about any one individual and more about the evolving balance of power within the Opposition.
He said the move also indicated that PAS was increasingly acting as the central organising force within the coalition but said its long-term success would depend on whether the party could combine political dominance with effective coalition-building and consensus management.
“Sustainable opposition strength often depends not only on having a strong leader but also on maintaining cohesion among diverse partners,” said Sivamurugan of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced on Saturday that the party would nominate Hamzah back to his position as Opposition Leader.
Hamzah had quit the post following a fallout with Bersatu, with PAS’ Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar picked to succeed him following a Perikatan supreme council meeting on May 16.
Abdul Hadi had said the decision to restore Hamzah to the post was made through consultation among PAS leaders and lawmakers who unanimously agreed that the Larut MP should continue leading the Opposition bloc in Parliament.
Prof James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute said the development came as little surprise, describing it as the culmination of PAS’ long-standing preference for Hamzah.
“I do not think there are any surprises. Way before this, PAS was already edging Hamzah into challenging Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin after his famous 24-hour resignation,” he said, adding that the party had long viewed Hamzah as a suitable partner and leader within the Opposition camp.
“Now that he has formed his own party, it is clear that PAS wants Hamzah’s Parti Wawasan Negara to take over Bersatu’s position,” said Chin.
He said the move also reflected PAS’ broader ambition to strengthen its position ahead of the next general election, with Hamzah potentially serving as a key bridge to voters beyond the party’s traditional support base.
Senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Dr Azmi Hassan said Hamzah’s previous experience as Opposition Leader likely contributed to PAS’ decision.
He said Hamzah’s leadership in his new party would likely make him a more prominent figure within the opposition, particularly in upcoming political contests.
“In this particular case, it could be seen that Hadi views the new party, as well as Hamzah leading it, as playing a prominent role in the Opposition bloc,” he added.
