Zahid rubbishes claims of growing tensions with Anwar
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed reports of a rift between himself and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, affirming that their working relationship remains stable. He emphasized that his party, Umno, remains committed to the current unity government.
Why it matters
Political stability in Malaysia is contingent on the cooperation between the Prime Minister and his deputy, making these assurances significant for the country's governance.
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from left) sitting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and transport minister Loke Siew Fook at a Cabinet meeting. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied allegations that his relationship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has become increasingly strained, saying their ties remain cordial.
Zahid was responding to a Bloomberg report citing sources as saying that tensions between him and Anwar were worsening, with recent Cabinet meetings taking place for shorter periods than usual.
Zahid, who is the Umno president, also said his relationship with DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook remained very good.
“Cabinet meetings have been ending at 1pm as usual, not as reported.
“I sat next to him (Anwar), to the prime minister’s right. Loke, the transport minister, was also seated next to me,” he was quoted by Utusan Malaysia as saying.
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