KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) has announced Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as its new opposition leader, succeeding Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
PN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the decision was reached during the coalition’s 2nd Supreme Council Meeting at Hotel Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday, local media reported.
“The meeting was chaired by Ahmad Samsuri in his capacity as PN Chairman and attended by all Supreme Council members from the coalition’s constituent parties,” he added.
Ahmad Samsuri, who is also the Terengganu Menteri Besar, was officially named to lead the opposition bloc, taking over from former Bersatu Deputy President Hamzah Zainudin.
In a statement released early this afternoon, PN said the appointment was unanimously agreed upon during the Kuala Lumpur meeting.
Takiyuddin confirmed that all members of the PN Supreme Council were present.
As opposition leader, Samsuri is expected to coordinate the bloc’s parliamentary strategy and represent PN in debates and key policy discussions.
The meeting also explored wider political cooperation, including potential electoral pacts with parties whose objectives align with PN’s goals.
Ahmad Samsuri, aside from serving as Menteri Besar, holds the Kemaman parliamentary seat and is a PAS Vice-President.
The selection of the opposition leader had been a matter of contention for several months, at times straining relations between PN’s two main parties – Bersatu and PAS. The position was questioned following Hamzah’s dismissal from Bersatu after falling out with party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Takiyuddin also confirmed that PN had agreed to form electoral pacts with several parties, describing them as “parties considered compatible with PN’s struggle and interests.” However, he did not elaborate on the parties involved.
“The meeting also discussed several current issues that are of public concern and national interest. PN will continue to act as a responsible, constructive, and principled check and balance to ensure that the interests of the people and the country’s future are always prioritised,” he said. – May 16, 2026