Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied reports of any rift or issues between himself and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the closing ceremony of the National Orang Asli Sports Carnival at Educity Sports Complex on September 6, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Zahid said there were no personal or official conflicts, including during Cabinet meetings and government events, emphasizing a professional and stable working relationship [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. "I have no problems, either personally or in an official capacity," Zahid stated, stressing that political stability remains the priority for Barisan Nasional (BN), a component of the unity government [2].
Zahid reiterated that BN is committed to maintaining Malaysia's political stability until the end of the current term. He pointed to the Umno General Assembly resolution to stay in the unity government through the term to preserve this stability [4]. He noted that such stability is vital for sustaining foreign investor confidence, supporting foreign direct investment, and fostering economic growth in the country [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. "We make and reach decisions professionally," he added [3].
Despite Zahid’s denials, a Bloomberg report suggested tensions had increased between Zahid and Anwar. It claimed the strain led to shorter Cabinet meetings recently, allegedly linked to BN's decision to contest against Pakatan Harapan in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections [2, 3, 4, 5]. However, Zahid’s remarks directly challenged the report’s implication of discord.
Zahid's public statements today underline BN's official stance to avoid political conflict within the coalition and focus on governance continuity. With the current term ongoing, BN's participation in the unity government is set to remain stable as affirmed at Umno's General Assembly.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks came on the final day of the National Orang Asli Sports Carnival, where officials gathered to promote indigenous community development. The event marked Zahid’s first appearance publicly addressing the alleged rift claims, aiming to reassure both political allies and foreign investors.
