Zahid Denies Tension in His Relationship with Anwar

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that his relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is increasingly strained.

He clarified that there are no issues, whether personal or official, between him and Anwar, including during Cabinet meetings.

“I have no problem with the Prime Minister. I have no problem whatsoever, whether personally or officially.

“There are no issues between us during Cabinet meetings or at official events and functions,” he said.

He said this at a press conference after officiating the Jakoa National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at EduCity here today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Jakoa Information Chief Muhammad Akmal Ila Ahmad.

Earlier, an international news portal quoted sources claiming that relations between Anwar and Ahmad Zahid were becoming tense due to several issues, including Barisan Nasional’s (BN) decision to oppose Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

The source also alleged that the situation was further influenced by pressure from DAP to implement institutional reforms before year’s end, even though Anwar, as Prime Minister, needs to secure support from the bloc led by Ahmad Zahid to obtain a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat before constitutional amendments can be made.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister (KKDW), stressed that Barisan Nasional (BN), as a component of the Unity Government, will continue to prioritise the country’s political stability until the end of the current term.

He said decision‑making within the government is conducted professionally to ensure political stability is maintained.

“What matters most for Barisan Nasional, as a component of the Unity Government, is the political stability of this country until the end of the term.

“We carry out the decision‑making process and reach decisions professionally,” he said.

According to him, political stability is crucial to prevent any issues that could undermine foreign investor confidence and efforts to strengthen the nation’s economic growth.

“We are aware that the UMNO General Assembly resolution has established that we remain in this Unity Government until the end of the term, and that is what we are doing to ensure full political stability.

“This is to avoid any problems, particularly with regard to foreign investors, FDI (foreign direct investment), and also to enhance the country’s economic growth,” he said.

MalaysiaGazette