Malaysian Deputy PM: Ministers Don't Need to Resign Over Coalition Attacks; PM Has Absolute Power

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has asserted that no ministers, deputy ministers, or statutory body chairpersons need to step down, even if they allegedly attack their 'partners' within the Unity Government. Hamidi, who also chairs Barisan Nasional (BN), stated that the authority to determine their positions rests solely with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Hamidi, the appointment of these officeholders is the absolute prerogative of the Prime Minister. He clarified that any action taken would be based on information the Prime Minister possesses. "The power of appointment is the absolute right of the Prime Minister. So if the Prime Minister suspects or receives true information, that is the absolute power of the Prime Minister, and no one needs to resign," Hamidi said.

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The power of appointment is the absolute right of the Prime Minister. So if the Prime Minister suspects or receives true information, that is the absolute power of the Prime Minister, and no one needs to resign.

His remarks came after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had suggested that any minister, deputy minister, or statutory body chairman found attacking coalition partners during the recent state election campaigns should be prepared to resign. Anwar had reminded government officials and appointees not to use their positions to attack parties or leaders within the Unity Government, stating such actions contradict the spirit of cooperation.

Hamidi further elaborated that the matter of appointing and dismissing individuals is entirely within the Prime Minister's purview. He was speaking to reporters after attending the Immigration Day 2026 celebration in Cyberjaya.

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The matter (power to appoint and dismiss) is the prerogative of the Prime Minister.