Malaysia

Bersatu presses ahead with Hamzah Zainuddin’s hearing as leadership strains intensify

Disciplinary proceedings against deputy president to continue in his absence, with talk of expulsion and potential party elections exposing widening fractures

Updated 7 months ago · Published on 12 Feb 2026 9:13AM

Bersatu presses ahead with Hamzah Zainuddin’s hearing as leadership strains intensify
Hamzah faces an alleged role in disruptions during the party’s annual general assembly and alleged verbal attacks on party president Muhyiddin Yassin - February 12, 2026

PARTI Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is set to proceed with disciplinary action against its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today, despite his absence overseas, as internal tensions threaten to destabilise the party’s top leadership.

The decision to continue with the hearing has been framed by party insiders as part of an effort to confront simmering disputes and reset the party’s direction amid mounting dissent.

A source told News Straits Times the proceedings were essential to address internal issues and rejuvenate the party, adding: “We believe that even if Hamzah were not overseas, he would not attend.”

Hamzah, who serves as Member of Parliament for Larut and is Leader of the Opposition, has been summoned to assist investigations into his alleged role in disruptions during the party’s annual general assembly and alleged verbal attacks on party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

A second summons dated Feb 6, signed by disciplinary board chairman Datuk Mohd Radzi Manan, stated that four complaints had been lodged against him. The complaints are dated Sept 30 last year and Feb 5.

His private secretary, Ahmad Ikhwan Fadhli, confirmed that Hamzah would miss the hearing as he is currently in Australia to assist his daughter with university enrolment.

Speculation that Hamzah could face expulsion has heightened friction within Bersatu over the past week. The strain became more visible when vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee publicly called on Muhyiddin to step down as party president.

“I won't be surprised if Kiandee quits if Hamzah is sacked. To me, it is good riddance,” the source said.

Despite acknowledging what were described as “dark days” for the party, the source suggested there may be “light at the end of the tunnel”, pointing to the possibility of special party elections to fill any leadership vacancies that may arise.

The disciplinary process is widely viewed as a pivotal moment for Bersatu, with its outcome expected to shape the party’s leadership configuration and internal cohesion at a critical juncture for the opposition bloc. - February 12, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

'H1' hits RM10.7 million in H-series registration number bidding

Malaysia

Anwar’s China visit puts Malaysia’s technology, skills and connectivity plans in focus

Malaysia

Ten former Bar Council presidents affirm Tuanku Muhriz as rightful Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri

Malaysia

Ismail Lasim’s continuous shifting stances leave Negeri administration in deeper bind

Malaysia

Loke’s resignation will be huge loss to the people, says Guan Eng

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Attorney-General: Najib house arrest still pending RM50m fine payment

Malaysia

Rosmah Mansor: Overseas friends offer donations to help Najib pay RM50m fine

World

Thai woman found strangled in suitcase in Taiwan office freezer

You may be interested

Malaysia

Absence of progress, PH tells BN to declare stand on Melaka poll cooperation

Malaysia

Najib thanks King for mercy following conditional pardon

Malaysia

KL to streamline spa, massage licensing rules while tightening integrity safeguards

Malaysia

FOMCA warns 800kwh electricity protection is not a licence for higher usage

Malaysia

'H1' hits RM10.7 million in H-series registration number bidding

Malaysia

Current Exco stands, termination not valid, claims Negeri Sembilan MB

Malaysia

Woman stabbed 13 times: Ex-technician charged with murdering wife in Kulim

Malaysia

Immigration enforcement: 1,720 employers, premises owners face action in illegal migrants’ crackdown