Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said there was nothing “new” about Hamzah’s movement in itself as it involves the same political actors in the opposition taking on the same rivals.

Because of that, he said, it may do little to woo voters, even as Hamzah eyes taking part in the Melaka state election.

“This isn’t a new political movement in the true sense of the word. It’s more of a cooperation that hasn’t been formalised yet, specifically between Hamzah’s camp and PAS to take on Umno in Melaka.

“Hamzah doesn’t have many options for alliances,” he told FMT.

Azmi also said PAS lacked options for allies.

“PAS worked with Bersatu in the past and, in this instance, it would be working with Hamzah’s ‘Bersatu’, not Muhyiddin Yassin’s Bersatu,” he said.

Hamzah, who resigned as opposition leader over the weekend, had hinted at his “Reset” political movement contesting in the next Melaka polls.

After he was sacked from Bersatu on Feb 13, Hamzah launched his “Reset” movement and had been in talks about leading a new party.

The former Bersatu deputy president claims to have the support of 13 of the party’s remaining 19 MPs.

However, he has since said he preferred joining an existing party over forming a new one.

He also said his next “home” may already be a Perikatan Nasional component.

Azmi said that as long as Hamzah remains coy on his next platform, voters in Melaka, especially the fence-sitters, would remain apprehensive about giving him their backing.

Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri of Global Asia Consulting said Hamzah’s strategy of keeping his cards close to his chest was a double-edged sword.

“On the one hand, this could spark curiosity among voters and give him more room for behind-the-scenes negotiations. But the major risk is that voters will take it as a sign of uncertainty.

“Without a clear platform, it will be hard to build long-term confidence, and he risks losing any form of momentum before the movement even begins. Staying coy for too long can be seen as a sign of weakness, not strength,” Zaharuddin said.

He also noted that Hamzah was not pushing his movement alone but was backed by experienced and influential figures such as Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, former Melaka chief minister Rahim Tamby Chik, and state opposition leader Dr Yadzil Yaakub.

The presence of these leaders adds credibility and also grassroots support, which will be crucial in the Melaka election campaign, he said.