Analysts say expulsion of former deputy president exposes deep fractures, raising questions over party unity and credibility

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s opposition is plunging into one of its most destabilising internal crises in years, with the expulsion of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from Bersatu failing to quell a deepening power struggle that threatens to fracture the bloc and reshape the political landscape.

On Saturday, Hamzah declared that he is Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s “No.1 enemy”, months after once describing himself as the party chief’s “No.1 supporter”.

Analysts say the showdown has rattled voter confidence and exposed deep fractures within the opposition.

“It is very damaging because as the opposition, they have to convince the rakyat they are ready to govern,” said International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri.

“People see both as power-hungry – Muhyiddin for clinging on to power despite repeated calls and Hamzah pushing for a ‘reset’. It appears more about personal ambition than serving the people.”

Hamzah has framed his expulsion as an opportunity for a “political reset” and a new national consensus but Syaza dismissed the rhetoric as lacking substance.

“What reset? What consensus? It seems to be politics against Pakatan Harapan, but there is little substance about programmes or direction.”

She added that voter loyalty in Malaysia remains largely personality-driven.

“Many of Bersatu’s supporters were former Umno voters disillusioned with their old party. Now, those dissatisfied with Bersatu may rally behind Hamzah instead. Ideology takes a backseat – politics is shaped more by personalities and elite influence than policy.”

Syaza also said any new Malay-based force led by Hamzah and his supporters would need to navigate its relationship with PAS, the country’s largest Malay party.

“It seems this group will work with PAS, making it a Bersatu 2.0 that is friendlier to PAS – keeping Perikatan Nasional intact, but essentially a grandchild of Umno.”

Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Hamzah’s expulsion changes little in practical terms.

“Even before being sacked, he was considered a ‘thorn’ within Bersatu’s top leadership. His removal doesn’t change his status as Muhyiddin’s number one rival.”

On alliances, Azmi said Hamzah is most likely to remain independent for now.

“Hamzah is most realistic – remaining independent to comply with anti-party hopping laws but he must align with stronger parties like Umno or PKR rather than smaller groups to retain political influence.”

Hamzah has also alluded to being in a “new house”, a possible nod to political realignment. Azmi suggested this could signal alignment with former allies.

“During the recent Umno general assembly, President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi spoke about Rumah Bangsa, an initiative to bring together groups interested in Malay unity under one umbrella.

“It is interesting, as Hamzah may be hinting at something similar.”

However, Azmi warned this could be just the beginning, noting that the fallout within Bersatu is expected to intensify.

He added that Hamzah’s strong grassroots backing could pose a significant challenge to Muhyiddin.

“We could see party leaders and MPs rallying to him, triggering mass resignations or membership shifts. Muhyiddin may consolidate control but over a party that is steadily weakening.”

On Bersatu and Muhyiddin’s political future, Syaza said the decision to sack senior leaders signals insecurity rather than decisive leadership.

“A true leader negotiates and compromises. Sacking shows concern for personal position. Bersatu can no longer be seen as a major opposition party.

“If only a few MPs support Muhyiddin, Bersatu risks becoming the next Pejuang – present but politically weightless.”

Looking ahead, analysts predict Hamzah and his supporters will move strategically.

“They may negotiate to remain in PN, or if they have enough support, perhaps form a new party. Much depends on their ability to work with PAS and gain majority opposition backing,” Syaza said.

On Saturday, Hamzah went on a fiery rant, declaring “war” on Muhyiddin after his expulsion on Friday. He and 16 others were sacked in the mass purge.

Hamzah claimed he has the support of 18 MPs, including Bersatu vice president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, who has called for Muhyiddin to step down. Women’s wing (Srikandi) chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin also showed support by attending his event.

Muhyiddin has reiterated his decision on Hamzah’s expulsion, claiming he had tolerated his deputy for many years and despite attempts to unite the party, Hamzah had continuously sabotaged efforts with the aim of dividing it.

 The Sun Malaysia