Hamzah Zainudin's Opposition Leader Appointment Constitutional, Says PN Chief Whip

The reappointment of Larut Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin as Opposition Leader is in line with the Federal Constitution, stated Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hasan, the Chief Whip of Perikatan Nasional (PN).

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He is not an independent Member of Parliament. Hamzah is a Member of Parliament who is a member of a registered party. It does not contravene Article 49A of the Federal Constitution.

Takiyuddin clarified that Hamzah is not an independent MP and his appointment, effective June 18, does not contravene Article 49A of the Federal Constitution because he belongs to a registered political party. This assertion, however, led to a dispute during a Q&A session in the Dewan Rakyat when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Sekijang) questioned the opposition's handling of the Opposition Leader issue, suggesting unprofessionalism.

The ensuing argument among MPs caused a near minute-long commotion in the Dewan Rakyat. Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul intervened, emphasizing that the matter of the Opposition Leader's position had already been decided and should not be revisited. "I have already explained, I have observed and scrutinized all documentation, and Larut is the Opposition Leader," Johari stated.

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I have already explained, I have observed and scrutinized all documentation, and Larut is the Opposition Leader.

Article 49A of the Federal Constitution outlines the conditions under which an MP must vacate their seat. Earlier, Johari had announced Hamzah's return as Opposition Leader, noting the rotation of the role. He acknowledged the service of Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri, the PN Chairman, during his tenure and welcomed Hamzah's return to the role.

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Larut is the Opposition Leader as of May 20, 2026. After that, Kemaman (Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar) will be the Opposition Leader from May 21 to June 10, 2026. Now Larut, starting June 18, 2026 (last Thursday), has returned as the Opposition Leader. Congratulations Larut.