Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin will become the opposition leader – an office which the previous government elevated to a minister-level post, complete with perks.
His appointment was confirmed by PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan.
Takiyuddin was cited by Astro Awani as saying that the decision was made following a PN meeting several days ago, which also decided to appoint PN chief Muhyiddin Yassin as the coalition leader in Parliament, with PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang as his deputy.
Tracking of Parliament attendance from July 27, 2021 to Aug 4, 2022 showed Muhyiddin as the MP with the poorest attendance record followed by Hamzah – while Hadi came in fifth.
Meanwhile, Takiyuddin said he will serve as the PN chief whip.
Hamzah was a key figure in the Sheraton Move coup in 2020.
Umno sources had alleged that the Bersatu secretary-general was determined to deny Anwar the prime minister post.
In 2008, Hamzah accused Anwar of harassing his wife back in 1998.
The PKR president sued the Larut MP for defamation but withdrew the suit in 2013 after both sides reached an amicable and private settlement. – Malaysiakini