SHAH ALAM – Pas’ decision to retain Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as opposition leader instead of elevating one of its own senior figures may reveal more about the party’s internal political calculations than Bersatu’s declining fortunes, according to political analysts.
The move, announced following an agreement between Pas and the Reset movement, surprised some observers who expected Pas to nominate one of its own leaders as the face of the opposition.
Political analyst Oh Ei Sun said the more significant development was not the growing distance between Pas and Bersatu, but Pas’ choice to back Hamzah over Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
"What I see as most relevant from this latest saga is not so much the drifting apart of Pas and Bersatu," Oh told Sinar Daily. "Rather, it is very significant that Pas would prefer Hamzah as opposition leader over one of its own party leaders, Dr Sam."
Oh suggested the decision may reflect Pas’ belief that Hamzah’s political style is better suited to consolidating its support base.
"It could be that the mainstream of Pas thought Dr Sam does not possess enough of the kind of folksy or populist charisma compared to the more aggressive style that Pas sees as more conducive to rallying the Malay base," he said.
He also argued that Ahmad Samsuri’s relatively moderate image and broader appeal among non-Malay voters could have worked against him.
"It could also be that the conservative mainstream of Pas sees Dr Sam, who is somewhat acceptable to non-Malays, as being too moderate and therefore ripe for being marginalised," Oh added.
He warned that if left unmanaged, the episode could trigger internal tensions similar to those that preceded the formation of Amanah.
The analyst also described Bersatu as increasingly marginalised within PN, saying the latest developments suggest the coalition is evolving into a Pas-led bloc ahead of GE16.
"A Pas-dominated PN with a strong focus on the Malay base will be ushered in in time for the next general election," he said.
The comments came after Abdul Hadi confirmed that Pas and the Reset movement had agreed to keep Hamzah as opposition leader despite his departure from Bersatu following a leadership dispute with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.