Perikatan Nasional is poised to name a PAS leader as opposition leader, replacing Bersatu’s Hamzah Zainudin, amid a broader coalition leadership reset.

KUALA LUMPUR: Fresh from appointing Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as its chairman, Perikatan Nasional (PN) is embarking on a broader leadership reset, including a likely change in the opposition leader post.

At a supreme council meeting yesterday, PN deputy secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that PAS is expected to take over the opposition leader’s position from Bersatu, following discussions between the two parties.

The development comes just over a week after Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin was sacked from Bersatu.

However, Takiyuddin said no decision had been made on which PAS leader would assume the role, as the component parties needed more time to deliberate and consult stakeholders.

Separately, PN has agreed in principle to review and strengthen the functions of its presidential council.

Takiyuddin was quoted as saying the council was already provided under the PN constitution but there were views that the document should be reviewed to make improvements.

The matter will be discussed at the next supreme council meeting, he added.

He said discussions would involve several issues related to both the presidential and supreme councils, with the aim of strengthening the opposition coalition ahead of elections.

Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau said PN also plans to amend its constitution to strengthen the presidential council.

A dedicated committee will be formed to complete the review within two months, after which the proposed amendments will be submitted for approval and filed with the Registrar of Societies.

Hamzah, the MP for Larut, was among 17 members expelled by Bersatu, reportedly for challenging party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Despite his removal, he continues to hold the opposition leader’s post.

Media reports quoted Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal as saying Hamzah was expected to retain the role, citing backing from PAS as a key factor.

He said Hamzah had the support of about 18 MPs who are current or former Bersatu members, and that PAS had originally proposed him for the position.

However, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man last week said the appointment should reflect broad consensus.

Meanwhile, media reports said Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee was dropped as the party’s representative on the PN supreme council hours before he was scheduled to attend a meeting at the PAS headquarters here.

Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali was reported to have issued a letter dated Feb 20 stating that Kiandee would be replaced by vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Datuk Radzi Jidin, while Kiandee remains a Bersatu vice-president.

Kiandee confirmed receiving the letter yesterday. 

 The Sun Malaysia