Muhyiddin Yassin Rejects Hamzah Zainudin’s Potential Return to PN as Coalition Navigates Leadership Shifts

Muhyiddin Yassin says Ahmad Samsuri's PN chairmanship isn't a PM nod and vows to block Hamzah Zainudin from rejoining the coalition under a new party.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 3:40 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

Clarifying the Distinction Between Chairman and Candidate

The leadership structure of Malaysia’s opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional (PN), is undergoing a significant transition, but the ultimate prize of the prime ministerial candidacy remains an open question. Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin emphasized on Wednesday that the recent appointment of PAS vice-president Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as PN chairman should not be interpreted as an endorsement for the premiership. Muhyiddin, who served as Malaysia’s eighth prime minister, noted that the coalition has yet to formalize its pick for the nation's top office, echoing sentiments from PAS leadership that current discussions are limited to administrative chairmanship rather than electoral figureheads.

The Fallout with Hamzah Zainudin

The internal dynamics of PN have been further complicated by a sharp public break between Muhyiddin and his former deputy, Hamzah Zainudin. Following Hamzah’s expulsion from Bersatu in February 2026 due to an alleged leadership coup attempt, Muhyiddin has taken a hardline stance against his former ally. Amid reports that Hamzah is in the final stages of taking over "Parti Keluarga Malaysia" to maintain a foothold in the opposition, Muhyiddin declared he would veto any effort to allow Hamzah’s new party into the PN fold. Citing a total loss of trust, Muhyiddin characterized the relationship as "once bitten, twice shy," suggesting that the coalition’s components would likely reject Hamzah's reentry.

Leadership Tensions and Sacked MPs

The rift within Bersatu has led to a significant "clean-up" operation within the party. Hamzah currently serves as the opposition leader and claims the backing of 13 Bersatu parliamentary members along with several others who have been expelled. Despite this, Muhyiddin expressed confidence in the party's remaining strength, dismissing the idea that a mass exodus would follow Hamzah. The PN Supreme Council is scheduled to meet on March 14 to discuss the appointment of a new opposition leader to succeed Hamzah, signaling a formal move to strip him of his remaining institutional influence within the coalition.