SHAH ALAM - The resignation of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader does not necessarily mark the end of his role in Perikatan Nasional (PN); instead, it opens up an unexpected possibility. It is not impossible that he could return to the same position through a different route.
This development comes at a time when the opposition leader’s post is increasingly viewed as PAS’s to assume, with the real question now no longer revolving around which party would take it, but who within PAS would fill it. Hamzah’s decision to step down is seen as easing pressure on PAS, which has been urged to take up the position, while also creating room for a reshuffle of power within the coalition.
Ketereh MP from Bersatu, Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor, said Hamzah’s resignation was intended to reduce pressure on Pas to immediately fill the post.
“Pas has yet to make a decision; we are waiting for the meeting. At the same time, we are observing what Datuk Hamzah’s next move will be,” he said.
He also hinted that Hamzah could potentially join a new party to re-enter PN, depending on the coalition’s acceptance, but said he personally believed that Hamzah was the most suitable candidate for opposition leader based on his parliamentary performance.
Similarly, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal described Hamzah’s resignation as a magnanimous move to prevent PN from splitting.
“He realised this had to be done to safeguard PN’s credibility and avoid a breakup within the coalition,” he said, adding that the selection of a new opposition leader would depend on the support of PN MPs.
Amid these developments, a rarely discussed possibility has emerged that Hamzah may not be out of the race, but could return as a Pas candidate if he joins the party.
Pas secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan stressed that the party is open to accepting anyone, but entry must follow proper procedures.
“Hamzah must apply first before we make a decision. That is the standard procedure,” he said in Kota Bharu on Sunday, noting that no official application has been received so far.
This statement indirectly opens the door to a 'Hamzah replaces Hamzah' scenario, where he returns as opposition leader under the Pas banner, fulfilling the power structure within PN without sidelining an experienced figure.
Previously, Hamzah himself hinted that his 'new home' does not necessarily mean a new party, but could refer to an existing party within PN.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomudin Bakar said the opposition leader position would almost certainly go to Pas, in line with the party’s dominant position.
He identified three key figures as potential candidates: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
However, he leaned towards Takiyuddin, citing his experience and parliamentary capability as key strengths.
This view is echoed by Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi, who viewed Takiyuddin as the most suitable candidate due to his extensive experience, former ministerial role and acceptance by both Pas and Bersatu.
“He is also not embroiled in major controversies and is seen as having a national image,” he said.
According to him, these qualities are crucial to ensure the opposition leader can effectively balance the government in Parliament and unify the diverse opposition bloc.
He added that as PN seeks internal stability, choosing an experienced figure like Takiyuddin would strengthen the coalition’s credibility and signal that competence and cross-party acceptance now take priority over hierarchy.
However, Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian holds a different view, naming Ahmad Samsuri as the strongest front-runner.
He said Samsuri’s position as PN chairman and his more neutral image made him more acceptable to all components, while also signalling a shift of power to Pas.
“Between the two, the leader likely to be chosen may be Ahmad Samsuri in his capacity as PN chairman,” he said.
When asked about Hamzah’s chances of returning, he explained that structurally the chances are slim, but did not rule out tactical possibilities.
He said Hamzah’s name could be used as a bargaining tool to gauge reactions or as a temporary compromise if Pas and Bersatu fail to reach consensus.
In this context, the 'Hamzah replaces Hamzah' scenario is not impossible, but rather reflects the increasingly pragmatic nature of politics today, where positions are no longer determined solely by party affiliation, but by one’s ability to adapt to shifting power dynamics.
Whatever the final decision, the contest for the opposition leader post is no longer just about filling a vacancy, but about who truly controls the direction of PN.