A new Malay-based political vehicle linked to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin risks the same identity and grassroots struggles that have historically plagued splinter parties in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: A proposed new Malay-based political platform linked to sacked Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic) could face the same challenges that have historically confronted splinter parties in Malaysia.

This includes difficulties in establishing a clear identity and building grassroots support, said analysts.

Political observers told theSun that the initiative may risk mirroring the trajectory of Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), which emerged from a split within PAS but has struggled to significantly expand its independent political influence.

Speculation has intensified in recent weeks that Hamzah and several allies who were recently sacked from Bersatu may seek to regroup through an existing political party platform.

While earlier rumours suggested Parti Keluarga Malaysia (PKM) could be taken over, political sources now indicate that several other existing political parties could also serve as a possible platform.

International Islamic University Malaysia political science associate professor Dr Syaza Shukri said splinter parties often face difficulties in establishing a distinct political narrative that differentiates them from their parent organisations.

“When a splinter party emerges, it must clearly articulate what makes it different from the party it came from,” she told theSun.

She drew comparisons with Amanah, which broke away from PAS but has largely relied on its position within Pakatan Harapan (PH) to remain politically relevant.

She said while Amanah has attempted to position itself as a moderate Islamist party, its ability to aggressively expand its influence has been limited despite having a defined ideological narrative.

She added that in contrast, some leaders linked to the proposed political realignment appear determined to continue pursuing their political ambitions, although the broader political positioning of any new platform remains unclear.

“The question is what will ultimately distinguish this new political vehicle from existing Malay-based parties.”

“Amanah relies heavily on its role within PH. The question now is whether this new grouping will similarly depend on PAS.”

She also said Bersatu has relied significantly on PAS within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.

Syaza said Amanah at least occupies a niche within PH, appealing to segments of urban Malay voters with more progressive or intellectual leanings.

“That space is somewhat different from PKR, which positions itself as a multiracial party, and DAP, which is often perceived as having a predominantly Chinese support base.”

However, she said any new Malay-centric party could face an even more challenging landscape due to the already crowded field of similar parties.

“A new party that is also Malay-based, similar to Bersatu and PAS, would find it difficult to differentiate itself.”

She suggested that the political equation could shift significantly if a large bloc of Bersatu members were to move collectively into a new platform.

“In that scenario, the new party could potentially assume the role of a moderate Malay nationalist party.”

Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi echoed similar concerns, saying any new party linked to the faction could face structural limitations similar to those experienced by Amanah.

He said the presence of prominent political figures alone may not necessarily translate into widespread electoral influence.

“A new political platform could potentially follow a trajectory similar to Amanah – a party with credible leaders but limited independent grassroots support.”

He added that Amanah’s political relevance has largely been tied to its role within a broader coalition.

“Amanah became significant mainly because it operates within a larger alliance.”

He also said without a strong ideological foundation and extensive organisational network, the new platform could struggle to compete effectively in national politics.

“If it does not develop a clear ideology, compelling political narrative and a strong grassroots machinery, it risks becoming an elite-driven party.”

Awang Azman said such parties may exist organisationally but remain politically marginal due to their inability to mobilise broad voter support.

“In that situation, the party may exist structurally but fail to dominate or significantly influence the national political contest.”

Among those aligned with Hamzah and speculated to join him in a new political platform are Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob and Padang Rengas MP Datuk Azahari Hasan, who were recently sacked from Bersatu.

It was reported that Hamzah had the backing of several Bersatu MPs who remain in the party, including Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (Beluran), Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah), Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah), Datuk Rosol Wahid (Hulu Terengganu), Datuk Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (Kubang Pasu), Datuk Muslimin Yahaya (Sungai Besar), Datuk Abdul Khalid Abdullah (Rompin), Khlir Mohd Nor (Ketereh), Zakri Hassan (Kangar), Roslan Hashim (Kulim-Bandar Baharu), Nordin Ahmad Ismail (Lumut), Kalam Salan (Sabak Bernam) and Islahuddin Abbas (Mersing).

 The Sun Malaysia