Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah has criticised Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, questioning his priorities over calls to quickly replace the opposition leader while concerns over the Middle East conflict continue to grow.
Saifuddin pointed out that Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin, during his tenure as opposition leader, had previously urged the government to convene a special Dewan Rakyat sitting to address the wider impact of the global crisis.
He said such a parliamentary session would allow lawmakers to discuss key issues arising from the ongoing Gulf conflict, including rising oil prices, inflationary pressure, as well as broader challenges affecting food security and regional safety, particularly in the Strait of Malacca.
However, Saifuddin argued that instead of focusing on urgent national and global issues, Muhyiddin appeared more concerned about accelerating the appointment of a new opposition leader.
“What is the purpose?” he questioned in a video posted on social media platform X.
Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP, has been repeatedly calling for Hamzah’s replacement before the next Dewan Rakyat sitting in June. He reportedly said on April 15 that he was waiting for PAS leadership to finalise a candidate, stressing the need to avoid prolonged uncertainty that could affect Perikatan Nasional’s image.
However, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang later stated that there was no urgency to rush the decision, saying the process should be handled carefully with input from all opposition MPs.
He added that there was still sufficient time before Parliament reconvenes in June, and that a measured approach would be more appropriate than rushing into a decision.
Earlier, PN chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar confirmed that Hamzah Zainudin had resigned as opposition leader, following his removal from Bersatu roughly two months prior.
