Zahid rubbishes claims of growing tensions with Anwar

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed reports of growing tensions between him and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, asserting that their relationship remains strong. Zahid, the Umno president, responded to a Bloomberg report suggesting that the strain between the two leaders had escalated, alleging that recent Cabinet meetings were shorter than usual.

Zahid clarified that Cabinet meetings continued to conclude at 1pm, as customary, with both Anwar and Loke Siew Fook, the transport minister, seated next to him. He further reinforced that his rapport with DAP secretary-general Loke remained excellent. Bloomberg's allegations focused on Zahid's decision for Barisan Nasional to challenge Pakatan Harapan in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, claiming it had heightened tensions.

The report also highlighted DAP's push for institutional reforms by year-end, while Anwar still required BN's backing to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat to pass constitutional amendments.

However, Zahid maintained that BN would adhere to its pledge to remain in the unity government until the 15th Parliament's term concludes. He emphasized that Umno remains committed to its promises, with the decision made unanimously by Umno delegates at the last general assembly. The decision to remain in the government is crucial, as it was unanimously agreed upon by Umno delegates at the last gathering.

Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had previously suggested that trust between Anwar and Zahid had reached its lowest point due to BN's decision to ally with Perikatan Nasional for the Negeri Sembilan election. Anwar dismissed these claims, stating that Khairy was merely expressing his personal opinion.