Zahid brushes off talk of BN-PH rift over Najib house arrest issue

Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) has rejected allegations that the conditional pardon and house arrest scenario for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has strained relations with Pakatan Harapan (PH). BN chairman Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that despite differing viewpoints, the two coalitions continue to collaborate effectively, with Zahid noting that Malaysia's political maturity is at an almost optimal level.

He confirmed that there has been no discord between their ministries or in the Cabinet for over four years, attributing their functioning to professionalism. Zahid acknowledged that differences in perspectives and party stances exist, but emphasized that these are managed to the best of their ability. He maintained that despite political moves, BN-PH cooperation at the federal level remains strong, and the country's political stability will not be impacted.

When asked about calls for BN's withdrawal of support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Zahid clarified that the recent Umno General Assembly resolution affirmed BN's commitment to the unity government until the end of the term, with the end time left to the prime minister and political circumstances. Zahid hinted at potential future negotiations and finalization of political steps post-election, but emphasized that separation at the political level after the election is a possibility.