Pejuang dismisses claims of Hamzah Zainudin's entry as former Bersatu leader’s political future remains uncertain

PARTI Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) has denied reports that former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has applied to join the party, while also dismissing suggestions of ongoing political discussions between both sides.

The denial comes amid intensifying speculation over Hamzah’s next political move following his expulsion from Bersatu earlier this year and growing reports linking him to plans for a new political vehicle.

Pejuang president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir rejected assertions that Hamzah was in talks with the party or preparing to become a member.

"That is not true," he told BH when asked about claims that negotiations were taking place with Hamzah regarding his entry into the party.

Hamzah’s political future has remained the subject of intense speculation since he was expelled from Bersatu on 13 February for allegedly breaching the party’s constitution.

Since his removal, the Larut Member of Parliament has been repeatedly linked to efforts to reshape the opposition landscape through a new political platform alongside several other former Bersatu leaders who were also expelled from the party.

The group, widely referred to as "Team Reset", includes Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal and Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

Political speculation has further intensified following reports that Hamzah has been actively exploring the possibility of taking over a smaller political party, believed to be Berjasa, ahead of a potential launch event expected in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

Sources familiar with the matter have also suggested that discussions have taken place with leaders from both Berjasa and Pejuang as Hamzah seeks a new political platform to continue his career outside Bersatu.

The latest denial from Pejuang, however, casts doubt on reports linking the party to Hamzah’s future political plans, even as expectations grow that his ambition to lead a new political movement could be realised as early as 13 June. - May 31, 2026