PAS can no longer avoid opposition leader’s role, says analyst

 Tawfiq Yaakub of Universiti Malaya warns that Bersatu could leave PN and focus on its IPR alliance, if Hamzah Zainudin remains in the role.

Former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin remained as opposition leader despite being expelled from the party on Feb 13 as PAS said there were more urgent issues to be brought up in the Dewan Rakyat. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 PAS can no longer avoid taking over the role of opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, which is currently held by former Bersatu deputy president Hamzah Zainudin, says an analyst.

Tawfiq Yaakub of Universiti Malaya said this is because the Islamic party cannot afford to risk further straining ties with its Perikatan Nasional (PN) ally, and any move to retain Hamzah in the role would sow discord within the coalition.

This is especially since Hamzah had declared Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as his “number one enemy” after he was sacked, he added.

Tawfiq Yaakub.

Tawfiq warned that the continued squabbling over the role could spell PN’s end with Bersatu quitting the coalition and focusing on Muhyiddin’s new brainchild in the next general election – the Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance.

He said PAS still needed Bersatu to bring the perception of moderation in PN.

“IPR should not be underestimated. Although some components in IPR are viewed as ‘mosquito parties’, they are capable of splitting the Malay vote in some areas, especially with the help of influential leaders like Muhyiddin, Mukhriz Mahathir and Ibrahim Ali.

“If Hamzah is retained as opposition leader, Muhyiddin and Bersatu are surely not going to stay silent,” he told FMT.

The PN Supreme Council will meet tomorrow and is widely expected to discuss appointing a new opposition leader in view of Hamzah’s sacking from Bersatu on Feb 13.

PAS previously dismissed Bersatu’s push to replace Hamzah soon after his expulsion, saying there were more urgent issues to be brought up in the Dewan Rakyat. As a result, PN had not proposed a new opposition leader.

Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said PAS must be bold and take on the post in order to show Malaysians that it was prepared to lead the federal government.

“This would not only show PAS’s dominance in PN but also its political maturity in respecting allies, arranging its strategies, and displaying its readiness to take on major responsibilities.

“With Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as the new PN chairman, PAS has never had a better chance to put forth a leader of its own,” he said.

However, Tawfiq added that PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan might be a better opposition leader since Samsuri already held the dual responsibilities of PN chairman and Terengganu menteri besar.

“Takiyuddin is also seen as more aggressive in Parliament. He’s always involved in heated debates and does not hold any major administrative post,” he said. - FMT