Zahid rubbishes claims of growing tensions with Anwar
Zahid rubbishes claims of growing tensions with Anwar
The Umno president also denies reports that Cabinet meetings are shorter than usual because of their strained ties.
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.
Bloomberg reported that the tension between the prime minister and his deputy stemmed from Zahid’s decision for Barisan Nasional to contest against Pakatan Harapan in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.
The report also claimed that the situation was compounded by DAP’s pressure for institutional reforms to be implemented by year-end, while Anwar still needed BN’s support to secure a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat to pass constitutional amendments.
Zahid, however, said BN would continue to honour its pledge to remain in the unity government until the end of the current term.
“Umno is a party that keeps its promises. The decision was made to remain until the end of the 15th Parliament’s term.
“What is important is that we remain in the government, because that was the resolution unanimously adopted by Umno delegates at the previous general assembly,” he said.
Last month, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said trust between Anwar and Zahid had hit its lowest point following BN’s decision to join forces with Perikatan Nasional for the Negeri Sembilan election.
Anwar brushed aside the claims and said that Khairy was only expressing his “personal view”.
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