Zahid Denies Rift With Anwar, Says BN Remains Committed to Unity Government

Claims of a Zahid Anwar rift have been rejected by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who says his relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains professional and that Barisan Nasional will continue supporting Malaysia’s Unity Government.

Speaking in Iskandar Puteri on 6 September 2026, Zahid said there were no problems between himself and Anwar either personally or in their official roles. He added that maintaining political stability until the end of the government’s term remained a priority for BN.

Zahid Says Cabinet Relations Remain Professional

Zahid said he and Anwar continue to work together normally during Cabinet meetings, ministry events and other federal government functions.

He emphasised that government decisions are still made professionally despite political speculation surrounding the relationship between BN and Pakatan Harapan.

The latest comments follow earlier claims that trust between the two leaders had weakened following political disagreements and recent state elections.

Anwar had also denied a serious rift in August, saying their relationship remained good at the federal level even though differences could emerge between coalition parties at the state level.

BN Says It Will Remain in Unity Government

Zahid said Umno’s position remains guided by the party’s resolution to stay in the Unity Government until the end of its term.

He argued that political stability is important for:

• Investor confidence
• Foreign direct investment
• Economic growth
• Continuity of government policies
• Avoiding unnecessary political uncertainty

BN has repeatedly rejected speculation that it could withdraw support or participate in efforts to bring down the current administration before the next election.

Early GE16 Calls Do Not Mean BN Is Leaving Government

The issue has attracted additional attention because Zahid recently said holding GE16 earlier could allow the government to seek a fresh mandate.

However, BN leaders have stressed that supporting an earlier election does not mean the coalition intends to destabilise or immediately leave the Unity Government.

The 15th Parliament can continue until 18 December 2027 if it completes its full term.

Zahid also said on Sunday that it was still too early to discuss who should become prime minister after GE16 because the timing of Parliament’s dissolution remains uncertain.

Political Differences Still Exist at State Level

Although federal cooperation remains intact, BN and PH have faced disagreements in some state-level contests.

Zahid previously said political rivalry at state level would not affect the stability of the federal government because the Unity Government was formed based on an agreement that remains in force until Parliament is dissolved.

This distinction between federal cooperation and state-level competition is likely to remain important as political parties prepare for upcoming elections.

Key Facts

• Zahid denied any personal or official rift with Anwar.
• He said BN remains committed to the Unity Government.
• Umno has resolved to remain in the government until the end of its term.
• BN has also supported discussion of an earlier GE16.
• The current Parliament can run until December 2027.
• Zahid says political stability remains important for Malaysia’s economy and investment climate.

What People Are Asking

Is there a rift between Zahid Hamidi and Anwar Ibrahim?

Both Zahid and Anwar have publicly denied that their working relationship has broken down.

Will BN leave the Unity Government before GE16?

BN says it remains committed to supporting the current government until the end of its term or until an election is called.

Does Zahid want an early GE16?

Zahid has supported the idea of an earlier election to seek a fresh mandate, but BN says this does not mean it plans to destabilise the current government.