MEMBER of Parliament for Larut Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin continues to hold the role of Leader of the Opposition, despite his recent expulsion from Bersatu.
Constitutional scholar Associate Professor Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain told Berita Harian that the position of Opposition Leader does not automatically lapse following the loss of party membership, as the appointment depends on the consensus of opposition MPs in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Hamzah now occupies the position of an independent MP, which differs from individuals who contest elections on an independent ticket,” he said.
“His position as Opposition Leader relies on the agreement of opposition MPs in the Dewan Rakyat. As long as no new appointment is proposed and confirmed by the Speaker, Hamzah remains the Opposition Leader.”
The announcement follows the expulsion of 17 Bersatu leaders by the party’s Disciplinary Board, a decision conveyed to party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin via a notice titled ‘Notification of Disciplinary Board Decision on Constitutional Breach Report’.
The Disciplinary Board’s notice stated that written complaints had been received from party members against the respondents concerning violations of the party constitution and code of ethics.
Hamzah, previously Deputy President of Bersatu, was among those sacked, alongside three other MPs and two state assembly members.
The MPs affected include Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang), Captain Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas), and Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik). The assembly members removed were Sungai Manik’s Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin, also a Supreme Council member of Bersatu, and Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub (Bemban).
In addition, nine Bersatu division chiefs were expelled, including Mohd Hassundi Hamzah (Larut), Yunus Nurdin (Libaran), Datuk Abdul Aziz Ismail (Dungun), Ahmad Nasir Mid (Selayang), Ahmad Ishak (Gopeng), Kamaruddin Majid (Teluk Intan), Datuk Zulkifli Bujang (Johor Bahru), Ramlan Meon (Tangga Batu), and Mhod Yunus Mhd Yusop (Tapah). The party also removed Sabah’s Young Srikandi leader, Nabila Norsahar, and Hulu Langat’s Information Chief, Mohamad Shafiq Abdul Halim.
Wan Ahmad Fauzi further clarified that, for the time being, Hamzah cannot join another political party as a sitting MP and remains in the independent bloc. “However, he may appeal if permitted by the party constitution or continue as an MP whose party membership has been revoked,” he added. - - February 15, 2025
