PERIKATAN Nasional’s (PN) appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the new Opposition Leader in Parliament has triggered criticism from political rivals, with DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng questioning whether PAS lacks sufficiently capable leaders to avoid concentrating two major responsibilities in a single individual.
The controversy emerged after PN formally announced Ahmad Samsuri’s appointment following the departure of former Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who vacated the position earlier this year after being expelled from Bersatu in February.
PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed yesterday that the coalition’s top leadership council had unanimously agreed to appoint Ahmad Samsuri, who currently serves both as PN chairman and Terengganu Menteri Besar.
Hamzah, the Larut MP and Bersatu deputy president before his dismissal, reportedly stepped down as Opposition Leader effective Jan 1.
The decision now places Ahmad Samsuri in the politically demanding position of simultaneously leading the federal opposition in the Dewan Rakyat while continuing to administer Terengganu as Menteri Besar.
Lim Guan Eng said the appointment raises serious questions about PAS’ leadership depth and the practicality of managing two high-pressure political offices at the same time.
“The question arises whether PAS has no other credible leader until Ahmad Samsuri is forced to carry two responsibilities by wearing ‘two hats’ as Parliamentary Opposition Leader and Terengganu Menteri Besar.
“Both positions involve heavy duties and responsibilities, and even one of these roles alone requires full focus and commitment. Perhaps Ahmad Samsuri himself may become confused over which role he should prioritise, whether as Opposition Leader or Menteri Besar of Terengganu,” he said.
The former DAP secretary-general also highlighted the logistical difficulties involved, pointing to the geographical distance between Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, where Ahmad Samsuri would be expected to fulfil two demanding political responsibilities simultaneously.
Lim questioned whether the Kemaman MP and Ru Rendang state assemblyman could effectively manage parliamentary duties while also overseeing state administration in Terengganu.
“Should he attend Parliament every day during sittings, would he still be able to fully carry out his mandate as Menteri Besar while being absent from Kuala Terengganu?” he asked.
According to Lim, the arrangement is unrealistic and risks undermining both parliamentary oversight and governance in Terengganu due to divided attention and competing responsibilities.
“Ultimately, the people of Terengganu and voters who supported PN at parliamentary level will lose out because they will not receive the benefit of full attention and focus. It appears PAS truly has no other capable leader besides Ahmad Samsuri,” he said.
The appointment comes at a sensitive period for PN as the coalition attempts to consolidate its parliamentary leadership following internal turbulence within Bersatu and growing political competition ahead of the next general election. - May 17, 2026
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