PETALING JAYA: A political analyst says a PAS MP should be given the role of opposition leader as the party has the highest representation in the Dewan Rakyat.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Izani Zain said that although Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, who is from Bersatu, was seen as a capable candidate for the post, having him as opposition leader went against the norm.
“This is because the party with the most seats would usually be given the important role of leader of the opposition,” he told FMT.
“He (Hamzah) may have the ability and experience in Parliament, but the position of opposition leader needs to be filled by a PAS representative (as they have the most seats).”
PN won 74 parliamentary seats in the general election (GE15), with PAS winning 43 seats and Bersatu 31.
Yesterday, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan was reported to have said that Hamzah, who is Larut MP, will take on the role of opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat.
He added that this was agreed upon at a recent meeting involving the coalition’s component party leaders.
Meanwhile, another analyst said Hamzah’s appointment as opposition leader is expected to provide a good check and balance in the country’s democratic process.
Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said he hopes Hamzah can prioritise the interests of the public over personal issues as Malaysians have grown tired of the country’s political uncertainty over the past few years.
“Hamzah’s appointment is expected to bring about a change in discussions and debates (to one) based on facts, not emotion,” he said.
Last week, Terengganu Amanah Youth chief Zamir Ghazali had proposed that PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang be appointed the opposition leader because the Islamic party won the most seats in GE15.
