TWO political analysts offered differing assessments of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin’s reported plan to take over Parti Keluarga Malaysia, with one questioning its long-term viability and the other describing it as his most realistic political option.
Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan of Nusantara Academy expressed scepticism over the move, arguing that it would be difficult for Hamzah and his allies to sustain their political careers through a party that lacks a track record of electoral success.
Azmi said Hamzah’s grassroots support remains limited and largely confined to Bersatu, where he previously held significant influence.
“A party without a history of excellence requires a major boost, possibly through the mass entry of Hamzah’s faction. However, I do not see that happening due to weak grassroots support,” Azmi told The Vibes.
He stressed that for long-term political survival, Hamzah would need to anchor himself to a party that is already established and organisationally strong.
“Comparatively, attempting to regain control of Bersatu might be more strategic than leading a relatively new party, though such a move would be challenging under current political circumstances,” he added.
He also noted that Hamzah’s alternatives appear limited. A return to Umno would be difficult, while aligning with the Pakatan Harapan coalition is unlikely. Entry into PAS may also not guarantee him a candidacy in the next general election.
“With few viable options, he and his group may have to remain independent until the next general election, but even then, they would still need the backing of a party with an established history,” he explained.
In contrast, political analyst James Chin of Tasmania University described the formation or takeover of a new party as Hamzah’s best available option under the circumstances.
According to Chin, a new political vehicle would allow Hamzah to assume a top leadership role — an outcome that would be difficult to achieve within existing parties.
“There is no place for him in Umno, and in PAS he is unlikely to be among the top five leaders,” Chin said.
He added that concerns over the party becoming a marginal or “mosquito” entity would depend largely on the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) willing to align themselves with Hamzah.
“If more than 10 MPs join him, it will not be a mosquito party,” Chin said.
Hamzah has reportedly claimed that 17 MPs are aligned with his camp. Chin noted that if the claim is accurate, it would significantly enhance Hamzah’s leverage in national politics.
“If it is true that he has 17 MPs, then he can become a political player,” he said.
It was reported that Hamzah, an opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, will lead Parti Keluarga Malaysia to continue his political struggles after being sacked by Bersatu last month.
This was confirmed by the Founder of Parti Keluarga Malaysia, Khairi Jaya, who said efforts to pave the way for the Opposition Leader to lead the party are almost certain.
“Discussions have been held twice with Datuk Seri Hamzah and other members of Parliament (who were fired by Bersatu), including the Member of Parliament for Tasek Gelugor, Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.
"The latest discussion was last week on Thursday, and it can be said that it is 90 per cent certain that Hamzah will take over the party,” he said. – March 4, 2026
