In politics, trust is less important than benefits, says analyst

Analyst Syaza Shukri emphasized that in politics, the value of benefits derived from working with partners surpasses the level of trust placed in them. Former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin stated that trust between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has reached its lowest point since the unity government's inception in 2022.

However, academic Syaza Shukri from the International Islamic University Malaysia contends that trust between political parties is inherently conditional. She highlights the relationship between PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Umno deputy Zahid Hamidi as an example, suggesting that reservations between leaders do not necessarily hinder collaboration if it benefits their respective parties.

The former Umno youth chief's claim that the recent Negeri Sembilan election, which saw Barisan Nasional's decision to align with Perikatan Nasional, has caused a significant rift with Pakatan Harapan, was dismissed by Anwar. Syaza acknowledged the rift but noted that BN has to prioritize its own interests, even if it means disappointing Anwar.

Zahid's standing within Umno has improved, and his trust has gradually returned, according to Syaza. Despite the trust between Anwar and Zahid, Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara maintains that the relationship remains strong, having endured for decades.