Zahid Dismisses Allegations of Rift With Anwar, Reaffirms BN’s Commitment to Unity Government

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 6 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed reports of a growing rift between him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, affirming that Barisan Nasional (BN) remains fully committed to upholding the nation’s political stability until the end of the current term.

Speaking to reporters after attending the national-level Orang Asli Sports Carnival at the Educity Sports Complex today alongside Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Zahid clarified that no personal or official friction exists between the two leaders.

“I have no problems, either personally or in an official capacity. What is important for Barisan Nasional (BN), as one of the components of the Unity Government, is political stability in the country until the end of the term,” Zahid said, emphasizing that decision-making during Cabinet meetings and federal government functions continues to be conducted professionally.

The UMNO president made the remarks when asked to comment on a Bloomberg report alleging that relations between him and Anwar had grown increasingly strained—resulting in shorter Cabinet sittings—following BN’s decision to contest against Pakatan Harapan (PH) in recent state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Zahid stressed that BN’s pledge to remain within the Unity Government aligns strictly with the resolution passed at the UMNO General Assembly. He noted that political stability is essential to maintaining foreign investor confidence, driving foreign direct investment (FDI), and sustaining Malaysia’s economic growth.

“We know that the resolution of the UMNO General Assembly has stipulated that we remain in the Unity Government until the end of its term,” he said. “This is what we are doing to ensure full political stability and avoid any problems, particularly involving foreign investors, foreign direct investment, as well as to boost the country’s economic growth”.

He concluded that claims of friction between BN leadership and the Prime Minister do not reflect the reality of daily cabinet operations, where inter-ministerial coordination and administrative duties continue without hindrance.

–NMT