Pas bullying Bersatu, says PH MP amid Opposition Leader switch

KUALA LUMPUR – The Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday was briefly disrupted after Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) alleged that the change in the Opposition Leader position stemmed from a dispute between Pas and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

The situation arose when Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who stood to raise the fourth question during the oral question session, clarified that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is a member of a registered political party and not an independent Member of Parliament.

Takiyuddin, who is also the Opposition Chief Whip, stressed that Hamzah’s position as Opposition Leader does not contradict Article 49A of the Federal Constitution.

However, Khoo, who interjected, described the leadership change as Pas “bullying” Bersatu.

“The Opposition Leader is suddenly changed like that – it shows a conflict between Pas and Bersatu.

“Pas is bullying Bersatu, that’s why the Opposition Leader keeps changing. There is no standard; the opposition is not professional at all,” he said.

Mohd Misbahul Munir urged Poay Tiong not to continue raising the issue.

Following that, several opposition MPs, including Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar), urged Khoo not to prolong the issue, as an explanation had already been provided by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) also interjected, saying “who are you,” before the situation in the House returned to order.

Johari later explained that he had reviewed all documents and notifications submitted regarding the position of the Opposition Leader.

“Perhaps Kota Melaka arrived late. I have already clarified – all documentation has been examined and I confirm Larut is the Opposition Leader. There is no further issue,” he said.

Earlier, Johari confirmed that Hamzah had resumed his role as Opposition Leader in the Dewan Rakyat effective June 18.