Hamzah confirms talks to lead Parti Keluarga Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic) has confirmed that discussions are under way for him to take over Parti Keluarga Malaysia, following his sacking from Bersatu last month.

"We are discussing how we want to take over.

"We are in discussions on technical matters," he told reporters when met at Parliament on Tuesday (March 3).

When a reporter asked if "taking over" meant he would become Parti Keluarga Malaysia president, Hamzah shot back with a smile: "Can I become president?"

Previously, party founder Khairi Jaya said the way was being paved for Hamzah to assume the top post, adding that discussions were almost final.

He said he had met Hamzah and several other sacked Bersatu MPs, including Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor), on at least two occasions to discuss the move.

"Our latest discussion took place last Thursday. I can say it’s 90% confirmed that Hamzah will be taking over Parti Keluarga Malaysia," Khairi was quoted as saying.

He said that once Hamzah and his allies joined, an internal election would be held to allow the Larut MP to be formally elected president, with amendments to the party’s constitution already underway.

Hamzah was expelled from Bersatu amid an intense leadership tussle with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Since October, five other MPs aligned with Hamzah have also been sacked from Bersatu – Wan Saiful, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang), Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (Indera Mahkota), Fathul Huzir Ayob (Gerik) and Azahari Hasan (Padang Rengas).

Thirteen Bersatu MPs have also collectively reaffirmed their support for Hamzah to remain as Opposition Leader in Parliament. - THE STAR