FORMER Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has declined to be drawn into speculation over reports that he could assume control of Parti Cinta Malaysia, dismissing the claims while redirecting attention to political cooperation with PAS and preparations for upcoming state elections.
Responding to media reports regarding his alleged involvement with the party, the Larut Member of Parliament offered only a brief reply.
“That is merely what they are saying,” he said, declining to elaborate further on the matter.
Instead, Hamzah focused on the political landscape ahead of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, describing collaboration with PAS as a key pillar of efforts to strengthen governance, development and long-term prosperity in both states.
He stressed that ongoing discussions between political partners were not centred on advancing the interests of any single party, but rather on shaping a broader agenda aimed at securing a better future for the people.
“At present, the close relationship we have built with PAS will be utilised to formulate a political approach capable of guaranteeing stability, prosperity and the wellbeing of the people in both states.
“We are discussing the future, and that future does not mean the future of my party alone. We have friends such as PAS who also wish to help determine the future of the people of Johor.
“We want to ensure that all development plans and future agendas can be implemented as effectively as possible,” he said when met at the wedding reception of Batu Kurau state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Najmuddin Elias Al Hafiz in Kampung Paya.
Hamzah said cooperation with PAS would continue to focus on safeguarding public interests and opposing any movement or group perceived as undermining political stability or disrupting the development trajectory of Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
According to him, both states require capable and stable administrations to ensure that long-term development programmes can proceed without the uncertainty and disruption often associated with political instability.
“Together with PAS, we will sit down and discuss matters. If there are groups that can damage Johor’s position itself, we will oppose them with all our strength,” he said.
Turning to Negeri Sembilan, Hamzah said the coalition’s objective remained unchanged: to prevent divisive politics from weakening social cohesion and undermining national unity efforts.
He argued that Malaysians increasingly expect political movements to demonstrate greater maturity and responsibility by bringing together diverse segments of society under a common national agenda.
The former Home Minister added that unity efforts should not be confined to any single ethnic community but must extend across Malaysia’s multicultural society to create a stronger and more inclusive political foundation.
“I believe that if they can truly sit together with PAS, I can become a bridge to ensure these groups unite and come together.
“At the same time, non-Malay communities can also participate in a larger agenda for our country,” he said.
In a separate remark, Hamzah also criticised those questioning the timing of announcements concerning political plans linked to him, suggesting that individuals genuinely interested in joining his political movement were already aware of the direction being taken.
“The people asking those questions do not intend to join me. Those who want to be with me have already received the answers and they know when the time will come,” he said.
His comments come amid growing speculation over potential political realignments ahead of key state elections, with opposition parties exploring strategies to broaden support, strengthen cooperation and position themselves as viable alternatives to the ruling coalition. - June 6, 2026
