KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin is believed to be considering a return to Umno following his recent expulsion from Bersatu.
Reports have indicated that informal discussions have taken place between Hamzah and Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, including a meeting overseas last year.
Malaysia’s anti-hopping law prevents MPs from switching parties without vacating their seats, but political observers say some form of cooperation or realignment ahead of the next general election remains possible.
Any move is seen in the context of Zahid’s “Rumah Bangsa” proposal, which aims to bring former Umno members and other Malay leaders back into the party’s fold. The idea was highlighted at the recent Umno general assembly as part of efforts to rebuild and widen Malay support.
Hamzah left Umno after Barisan Nasional’s defeat in 2018, joined Bersatu under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and later aligned with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during the Sheraton Move that led to a change in the federal government.
His standing within Bersatu had, however, appeared uncertain in recent months. Once among its senior leaders, he served as home minister and later as deputy president under Muhyiddin. His sacking followed claims of internal manoeuvring within the party.
Speculation has grown that other Bersatu leaders could also review their positions depending on Hamzah’s next step. Within Umno, however, views are mixed. Some leaders see experience and added strength, while others remain cautious about readmitting former defectors.
No formal application has been announced and neither party has confirmed any arrangement. Even so, the episode highlights continued shifts within Malay politics as parties position themselves ahead of the next polls. – February 16, 2026