FORMER Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has indicated he will unveil a new political party as early as next month, claiming it already commands support running into the hundreds of thousands, in a move that could reshape the opposition landscape.
He said details of the party remain under wraps pending final approval of its name, with discussions ongoing with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
"This new political platform will have significant strength, with membership reaching into the hundreds of thousands.
"At present, discussions with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia (ROS) are actively ongoing to ensure all procedures are followed before any announcement is made, thereby avoiding technical or legal issues in the future."
He added that organisational work at divisional level was progressing steadily, with more than 130 divisions already submitting leadership line-ups and the total expected to reach about 150 in the near term.
Speaking at an Aidilfitri gathering in Batu Kurau on Sunday, Hamzah said he was taking a cautious approach in outlining the party’s structure and direction, citing the current political sensitivities and the risk of misinterpretation.
Addressing his recent resignation as opposition leader, Hamzah said the matter should not be overstated, as it was closely tied to his position following his expulsion from his previous party.
He noted that his earlier appointment had been based on consensus within Perikatan Nasional, which includes the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).
"At that time, the Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, gave PAS — which had a larger number of Members of Parliament — the opportunity to nominate a candidate, before PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang named me as the candidate," he said.
According to Hamzah, the proposal received broad support at the time, leading to his appointment with a full mandate.
He stressed that the post of opposition leader is not the preserve of any individual, but is determined by backing among opposition lawmakers.
"In today’s opposition bloc there are three main groups, namely PAS, Bersatu and independents.
"It is Members of Parliament from these three blocs who will determine who becomes the next Opposition Leader before Parliament convenes," he said. - April 20, 2026
