00:00Hamza Zainuddin's return as opposition leader sets the stage for him to become the face of
00:05Perikatan Nacional's general election campaign, and to win over moderate-minded voters and
00:11fence-sitters, according to analysts.
00:13Shazes Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia told FMT that Hamza's
00:19return would help ease concerns among some voters about the prospects of a past-led federal
00:24government.
00:24She said that while PN Chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mukhtar is often touted as Prime Minister
00:30material, he lacks the combative parliamentary style that has made Hamza an asset to the
00:35opposition.
00:37Asmi Hassan of Academy Nusantara said Hamza's return barely a month after Samsuri was named
00:42his successor reflected Hadi's preference for the former Basatu Deputy President.
00:47He added that Hadi wants Hamza to be the poster boy someone voters can trust.
00:53University Science Malaysia's Siva Murugan Pandian said the move signalled a division of
00:58responsibilities within PN between Hamza and Samsuri.
01:02He said Hamza would serve as the opposition's main parliamentary tactician and coordinator,
01:08while Samsuri would play a broader strategic role in the coalition, especially in elections.
01:13Andra Edmonds, FMT.
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