Ahmad Zahid-Hamzah Zainudin alignment a natural progression ahead of GE16

With Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim serving as a common political ally, the relationship between Bersatu's expelled leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appears set to enter a more pragmatic phase ahead of GE16.

KUALA LUMPUR: The expulsion of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in February has reshaped the Malaysian political landscape, transforming him from a party strategist into what many now see as an “influential” political free agent.

His removal, triggered by allegations of undermining party leadership and engaging in backchannel negotiations with Umno, further heightened tensions between the two Malay-centric parties.

Hamzah, the former Bersatu deputy president, had already been accused of quietly negotiating with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Moving forward, the personal and political relationship between Hamzah and Ahmad Zahid appears likely to evolve into a more pragmatic alliance. The two leaders also share a common political ally in PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

With the 16th General Election (GE16) approaching, both Hamzah and Ahmad Zahid are reaching a point where cooperation may become less of a choice and more of a political necessity.

Hamzah’s current standing as the independent MP for Larut is strengthened by the “Reset” movement, which he claims is backed by 19 MPs who remain loyal to him. That support positions him as something of a kingmaker – albeit one without a formal political base, for now.

Still, the bloc of MPs linked to Hamzah represents a significant asset for Ahmad Zahid, who needs additional support to strengthen Umno’s influence within the unity government and perhaps beyond.

Ahmad Zahid has already extended an olive branch through the “Rumah Bangsa” initiative, publicly stating that Umno’s doors remain open to those wishing to return to their original political home. In practical terms, it signals that former Bersatu leaders and members remain welcome in Umno.

Some political observers believe bringing Hamzah’s faction into Umno would weaken Bersatu further while helping Umno regain lost political ground. Bersatu’s information chief Datuk Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz, in a statement recently, sarcastically welcomed Umno to accept Bersatu members who were kicked out, adding they were “free of charge. No transfer fee needed.”

However, the fact that both Ahmad Zahid and Hamzah share political experience with Anwar adds another layer to the evolving dynamic.

Ahmad Zahid remains a key pillar supporting Anwar’s administration, but he is also aware of the need to prepare for any decline in Pakatan Harapan’s popularity among voters. Hamzah, meanwhile, is a former Umno stalwart with a deep understanding of Anwar’s political style and manoeuvring.

By aligning, Ahmad Zahid and Hamzah could potentially create a “third force” that functions both as a support structure for Anwar’s administration and as an alternative power bloc should political circumstances shift before GE16.

Ultimately, the potential cooperation between Ahmad Zahid and Hamzah is driven by electoral realities.

Hamzah needs a stable and established political platform to accommodate his “Reset” faction and secure its future in the next election. Ahmad Zahid, meanwhile, requires the grassroots machinery and conservative appeal that Hamzah continues to command.

The two leaders appear to be moving towards what could best be described as a marriage of political necessity. Their cooperation would aim to consolidate the fragmented Malay vote and ensure both remain central players in Malaysia’s political landscape regardless of the outcome of GE16.

Should such an alignment materialise, critics and rival factions will almost certainly argue that “a vote for Umno is a vote for Hamzah and his faction”.

Whether such attacks ultimately become a political liability or an unexpected advantage remains to be seen.