PAS has confirmed it has not received any application from Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to join the party, even as the senior politician steps down as Opposition Leader, triggering a leadership transition within Perikatan Nasional (PN).
PAS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said speculation surrounding Hamzah’s entry into the party remains unfounded, stressing that membership is subject to a formal process.
"To date, we have not received any membership application from Datuk Seri Hamzah or any sitting Members of Parliament," he told reporters in Kota Bharu. "PAS is open to all, but those wishing to join must apply, and only then will we make a decision based on the usual procedures."
The clarification comes amid heightened political attention following Hamzah’s resignation as Opposition Leader. In his letter, Hamzah said the move was intended to foster a more conducive political environment and ease internal matters within PN.
Takiyuddin, who also serves as PN secretary-general, confirmed the coalition would formally notify the Speaker of the vacancy. "As PN chief whip, I will submit the notification to the Speaker, within the next two or three days," he said.
He added that a decision on a new Opposition Leader is expected before the next Dewan Rakyat sitting scheduled for June 22.
Despite speculation linking him to PAS, Hamzah has remained non-committal, saying he has yet to decide whether to join the opposition party and cautioning that political rumours should not be taken as certainty.
At the same time, Takiyuddin revealed that PAS continues to attract new members, including former senior government officials and individuals from other political parties.
"Just the other day, we received more than 2,000 new members, including former high-ranking officials from the federal government and members from other parties," he said.
"One of the new members is a retired senior official, a former Director-General of a federal government department."
He was speaking at an Aidilfitri open house hosted by the Kota Bharu parliamentary constituency and the Bunut Payong state assembly at the official residence of the Kelantan Menteri Besar.
The developments signal both internal realignment within PN and continued interest in PAS, as attention turns to the coalition’s next leadership decision in Parliament. - April 13, 2026
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