AN argument broke out following the appointment of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as Opposition Leader, with government and opposition MPs trading barbs over the leadership change and allegations that PAS was “bullying” its coalition partner Bersatu.
The commotion began when opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) welcomed MPs to the new sitting arrangement and defended Hamzah’s appointment.
Takiyuddin stressed that the Larut MP remained a member of a registered political party and that the move did not contravene Article 49A of the Federal Constitution, the anti-party hopping provision.
“As chief whip of the opposition bloc, I wish to state that the Parliamentary Opposition Leader of Malaysia, namely the member for Larut, is not an independent MP.
“He is an MP from a registered political party and this does not conflict with Article 49A of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
However, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) questioned the change in opposition leadership, suggesting it reflected tensions within Perikatan Nasional.
“The opposition leader suddenly changes like this. It looks like there is a quarrel between PAS and Bersatu,” he added.
Takiyuddin responded by comparing the situation to leadership changes in Penang.
“It’s like the Penang chief minister – it can change,” he added.
Khoo then alleged that PAS was exerting undue influence over Bersatu.
“PAS is bullying Bersatu. That’s why the opposition leader keeps changing like this. It’s not professional at all,” he said.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said he had already reviewed all relevant documentation and confirmed Hamzah’s appointment.
Earlier, Johari told the House that Hamzah has returned as Opposition Leader, while a seating reshuffle in Parliament has seen former Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin moved away from the opposition frontbench.
Announcing his ruling at the start of the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Johari said Hamzah resumed the role on June 18 following a brief period during which Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar served as Opposition Leader.
“Based on the notifications that I have considered, I have decided the Larut MP was the Opposition Leader until May 20.
“After that, the Kemaman MP became Opposition Leader from May 21 until June 10, and the Larut MP has returned as Opposition Leader effective June 18,” he said.
