PAS Says Hamzah Zainudin’s Return As Opposition Leader Was Planned From The Start

KUALA LUMPUR,June,2026 – PAS has said that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s return as Malaysia’s Opposition Leader was always part of the party’s preferred plan, despite the temporary appointment of Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar to the role earlier this year.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the party had wanted to retain Hamzah as Opposition Leader from the beginning because of his performance and the support he commanded among opposition lawmakers.

According to Tuan Ibrahim, the issue became complicated after Hamzah was expelled from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, as Bersatu was not comfortable with him continuing in the position at that time.

“From the very beginning, we wanted to retain Datuk Seri Hamzah because of his performance and because many MPs were with him,” Tuan Ibrahim said, adding that Bersatu’s discomfort at the time was linked to Hamzah’s expulsion from the party.

He said Hamzah’s decision to form Parti Wawasan Negara and align himself with PAS meant the matter was no longer tied to Bersatu. This allowed PAS to support Hamzah’s return to the Opposition Leader post.

The explanation came after PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang announced that Hamzah, who is the Larut MP, would resume his role as Opposition Leader during the RESET convention in Tanah Merah, Kelantan.

Hadi said PAS had consulted lawmakers from the party as well as MPs aligned with Hamzah before reaching the decision. He also said PAS had agreed to appoint Hamzah as Opposition Leader while maintaining Ahmad Samsuri as Perikatan Nasional chairman.

The move marks another shift in the opposition bloc’s leadership structure. Hamzah had previously relinquished the Opposition Leader role after being expelled from Bersatu, before Ahmad Samsuri was appointed to replace him following a Perikatan Nasional Supreme Council meeting on May 16.

Bernama reported on May 16 that Ahmad Samsuri had replaced Hamzah as Opposition Leader, while other reports noted that Samsuri’s appointment came after PN restructured its leadership following Hamzah’s removal from Bersatu.

Tuan Ibrahim said the arrangement to eventually retain Hamzah had already been agreed upon before Ahmad Samsuri was appointed as PN chairman in February. Samsuri assumed the PN chairmanship after Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped aside from the position.

The latest development suggests that PAS is trying to stabilise the opposition bloc by separating parliamentary leadership from coalition chairmanship. Under this arrangement, Hamzah returns as Opposition Leader while Ahmad Samsuri continues to lead PN as chairman.

This distinction is politically important because the Opposition Leader plays a key role in Parliament, while the PN chairman is responsible for coalition-level direction, strategy and coordination among component parties.

For PAS, Hamzah’s return may help preserve continuity in Parliament. He previously held the Opposition Leader post and remains a senior figure with influence among opposition MPs.

At the same time, Ahmad Samsuri’s continued position as PN chairman allows PAS to maintain a central role in the coalition’s strategic direction. This is significant because Samsuri is a PAS vice-president and Terengganu Menteri Besar, giving the Islamist party greater visibility in national opposition politics.

The issue also reflects deeper tensions within the opposition bloc following Hamzah’s split with Bersatu. His expulsion from the party created uncertainty over whether he could continue leading the opposition in Parliament, especially when Bersatu remained a major PN component.

By forming Parti Wawasan Negara and aligning with PAS and the RESET movement, Hamzah has created a new political platform outside Bersatu. This has allowed PAS to argue that the earlier obstacle has been removed.

The RESET movement has also become part of the political discussion. Hadi said PAS and RESET had agreed to retain Hamzah as Opposition Leader, adding that the decision was reached through consultation within PAS and among MPs.

The Star also reported that Hadi announced Hamzah’s reappointment at the RESET convention, while confirming that Ahmad Samsuri would remain PN chairman.

This creates a new political alignment within the opposition camp, where PAS appears to be working closely with Hamzah and the RESET movement while still maintaining its position inside PN.

The development could reshape opposition strategy ahead of upcoming state elections and future parliamentary sessions. Hamzah’s return gives the opposition a familiar parliamentary face, while Samsuri’s PN chairmanship strengthens PAS’ influence at the coalition level.

However, the move may also raise questions about unity within PN. Bersatu’s earlier discomfort with Hamzah’s position shows that internal tensions remain, especially after his expulsion and the creation of a new political vehicle.

PAS’ explanation appears aimed at reducing confusion by presenting Hamzah’s return as a planned and agreed transition rather than a sudden reversal. By saying the party had always wanted to retain him, PAS is trying to frame the decision as consistent and strategic.

The timing is also important. Malaysia’s opposition bloc is preparing for major political contests, including the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. Strong and clear leadership will be important for PN and its allies as they coordinate campaign strategy, seat negotiations and political messaging.

For Hamzah, the return strengthens his political position after a period of uncertainty. His removal from Bersatu had raised questions about his future role in national politics, but his return as Opposition Leader signals that he continues to command support among opposition MPs aligned with PAS and RESET.

For Ahmad Samsuri, the arrangement allows him to remain in a powerful coalition role without also holding the parliamentary Opposition Leader post. This may help him focus on broader PN strategy, especially as the coalition prepares for elections and political realignment.

The development also highlights PAS’ growing role in shaping opposition politics. By backing Hamzah’s return and keeping Samsuri as PN chairman, PAS is positioning itself as a major decision-maker within the opposition bloc. PAS’ statement that Hamzah Zainudin’s return was “always the plan” reflects a broader effort to project stability after months of internal opposition movement. The party is presenting the latest leadership arrangement as a strategic decision based on parliamentary support, political continuity and Hamzah’s alignment with PAS and RESET.

The key question now is whether this arrangement will strengthen PN’s unity or deepen existing tensions with Bersatu-linked figures. As Parliament and state election campaigns move forward, Hamzah’s return as Opposition Leader is likely to remain a major talking point in Malaysian politics.