KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has refuted claims of weaknesses within the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, specifically dismissing criticism that not leading the opposition himself constitutes a flaw.
Muhyiddin clarified that the responsibility of leading the opposition bloc in the Dewan Rakyat had been delegated to Bersatu Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin since December of last year.
He emphasised that while he could have taken on the role, he opted to "look ahead and identify an appropriate time to mentor new individuals". This decision, he explained, was in reference to Hamzah, who also served as the representative for Larut and was appointed as the opposition leader.
Responding to criticisms from Umno veteran Shahrir Samad, who suggested that Bersatu would not be facing internal confusion if Muhyiddin assumed the position of opposition leader, Muhyiddin dismissed the notion, stating, "It is not a weakness for me".
Shahrir pointed to the actions of four Bersatu Members of Parliament (MPs) who expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. These members include Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), and Zahari Kechik (Jeli).
Muhyiddin also disclosed that, before appointing Hamzah, he had initially offered the position to Pas because the party had the highest number of MPs, totaling 43.
However, Pas declined the offer, leading Muhyiddin to reconsider and entrust the role to Hamzah.
Reflecting on this decision made almost a year ago, Muhyiddin clarified: "I did not monopolise everything at once; I am also recognised as a former PM. Therefore, I believed allowing Hamzah as the Secretary-General of PN and Bersatu to become the opposition leader was appropriate, a choice supported by all MPs."
Regarding Hamzah's performance, Muhyiddin commented: "While there may be areas for improvement due to its novelty, I observe that he has been performing well in Parliament".
Traditionally, the position of opposition leader is held by the leader of a political party or coalition.
Notable examples include Anwar Ibrahim, who held the position of leading Pakatan Rakyat and Pakatan Harapan in 2008 and 2020.
However, in 2018, Barisan Nasional (BN), while in the opposition, appointed Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob—then the deputy president of Umno—to replace President Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, who was on leave due to internal issues within Umno and facing legal charges.