'Later', says Hamzah as he remains coy on status as Opposition leader

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin remains coy over his status as Opposition leader.

"Later," he said briefly when met in Parliament on Monday (Feb 23).

Hamzah, a former Bersatu deputy president, was expelled from the party on Feb 13 for sabotaging the party and trying to oust its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Other Opposition MPs were also tight-lipped.

"No, it's okay. Updates will be given in no time," said Putrajaya MP and Bersatu vice-president Datuk Radzi Jidin when asked about the matter.

Meanwhile, Pas' Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim said of most importance was that all is well in Perikatan Nasional, of which the party and Bersatu are coalition partners.

"Everything else will fall into place. Any decision relies on Perikatan," he said.

Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Hamzah remains as Opposition leader for now.

"We will see what Perikatan decides. Regardless, we are confident that the new Perikatan chairman will make a wise decision.

"He said the next Opposition leader would likely be from Pas.

"Whomever it may be, it is up to Pas. We shall see how it goes. Personally, I hope he (Hamzah) retains the position," said the Tasek Gelugor MP, who was also expelled from Bersatu.

He also claimed that it was Pas who previously nominated Hamzah as Opposition leader, not Bersatu.

Wan Saiful also said the 18 MPs aligned with Hamzah would support him to be re-nominated as Opposition leader.

"A decision must be made swiftly to quell any uncertainty. I hope we resolve it soon," he said. - THE STAR