'Si Kitol' or scapegoat? Hamzah at the centre of Bersatu power struggle

Sinar Daily:

'Si Kitol' or scapegoat? Hamzah at the centre of Bersatu power struggle

The controversy stemmed from claims that Hamzah was involved in collecting over 120 statutory declarations from division chiefs demanding a leadership change

By KHAIRIL ANWAR MOHD AMIN

12 Sep 2025 09:43am

Behind the allegations of orchestrating SDs to topple Muhyiddin, Hamzah (left) is said to be a victim of certain parties’ political plotting.


SHAH ALAM - Allegations of betrayal against Bersatu Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin have reignited internal party tensions.

Insiders claimed the accusations were deliberately crafted to weaken his influence ahead of the next general election.

The controversy stemmed from claims that Hamzah was involved in collecting over 120 statutory declarations (SD) from division chiefs demanding a leadership change.

Some accused him of being a “Si Kitol” who betrayed Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during Bersatu’s recent Annual General Assembly (AGM).


A Supreme Leadership Council (MPT) member, however, disclosed that the allegations were politically motivated.

“The truth is Hamzah knew about the SD but he was not the mastermind. In fact, he himself had stated that he did not want to be involved in any movement,” the source said.


The insider said the SD issue was fuelled by grassroots dissatisfaction with a senior Bersatu leader accused of having excessive control in party administration, especially in the formation of new branches and divisions.

Despite this, Hamzah often bore the blame.

“The narrative that Hamzah betrayed the President was deliberately created to damage his reputation,” the source added.

The issue is also viewed as part of an internal struggle between two camps seeking greater influence ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16).

The conflict revolves around control of the election director role, which Hamzah currently holds.

The source claimed a senior leader, who also aspired to become prime minister, was attempting to subtly replace Hamzah in that position.

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Despite the challenges, Hamzah reportedly remains popular among the grassroots, party leadership, and Pas within Perikatan Nasional (PN).

His strong support was demonstrated by the enthusiastic reception to his speech at the AGM.

Meanwhile, Bersatu Selangor Deputy Chairman Mohd Rafiq Abdullah said the SD issue should not be blown out of proportion.



Mohd Rafiq


He emphasised that the AGM had confirmed Muhyiddin as president and that the SD was more of a call for Hamzah to take on a bigger role rather than an attempt to unseat Muhyiddin.

Rafiq also criticised actions within the party, such as deliberately leaving out photographs of several leaders from the AGM banners.

“Such matters can be discussed maturely. There is no need to show division. Any differences should be resolved internally to safeguard the unity and future of the party,” he said.