We’ve received offers to leave unity govt, claims Zahid

BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he rejected the offer as he was unwilling to betray his allies in the unity government.

(FMT) – Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has revealed that there have been efforts to persuade the coalition to leave the Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government to form a new administration.

Without disclosing the parties involved, the deputy prime minister claimed that the coalition was also offered the prime minister’s post if it agreed to the proposal.

Zahid said he rejected the offer as he was unwilling to betray his allies in the unity government.

“There are those who wanted to persuade (BN to leave the unity government) and claimed they want to replace the current government,” he said during the launch of the 2024 Federal Territories BN Convention at the World Trade Centre (WTC) today.

“They also proposed making (a candidate from) BN the prime minister. I told them not to waste their time. Let us strengthen the existing unity government,” he said.

“I will not betray my friends. That is my principle, even though many have betrayed me. In politics, don’t step on others.

“If we step on others, remember that one day, when we’re at the top, others will step on us.”

Zahid also disclosed that opposition MPs, some of whom were former ministers and deputy ministers, had approached him with a proposal to form a new lineup within the unity government on the condition that they be given four ministerial positions.

“Last week, opposition MPs came to meet me,” he said.

“They said, let’s work together to form a new government under the banner of a unity government. They asked to be included in the government and requested four ministerial positions.”

He asserted that this move reflects the opposition’s increasing weakness and desperation to return to power.

Anwar and I are like siblings

Meanwhile, Zahid insisted there will be no animosity when BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) negotiate for seats ahead of the next general election (GE16), Berita Harian reported.

Speaking at the BN convention in Ipoh earlier today, he said BN aims to reclaim the seats it lost in the last general election (GE15) and stressed that it was crucial for all BN and PH component parties to support one another.

“We must help each other. Don’t worry, there will be no issue of overlapping seats. Let me discuss this with our ‘older brother’ from PKR, our main leader (Anwar) … We are like siblings,” he was quoted as saying.

“Politics has changed now. Our former enemies are now our friends. What we once disliked, we now appreciate. Today, BN and PH are close. We just have to make sure we don’t get into inappropriate situations.”