No rift with deputy Zahid, says Malaysian PM Anwar

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has firmly rejected suggestions of a conflict with Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, emphasizing his preference for a "peaceful approach" when navigating differences. His remarks came in response to claims by former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who asserted that trust between the two leaders had reached its lowest point since the formation of the unity government.

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He always tends to see things through the lens of conflict. I look at things from the perspective of peace. We are different. He takes the confrontational approach, while I take the peaceful approach.

Anwar characterized Khairy's perspective as viewing matters "through the lens of conflict," contrasting it with his own approach focused on peace. He expressed gratitude to Zahid, Umno, and Barisan Nasional for their crucial role in establishing the unity government. While acknowledging some differences at the state level, Anwar maintained that the national-level relationship with Zahid remains strong and that such variations are normal.

The Prime Minister also addressed internal PKR party dynamics, particularly concerning recent election results in Negri Sembilan and Johor. He confirmed that the party is open to discussing concerns raised by six PKR branch chiefs in Negri Sembilan who reportedly called for a review of state leader Aminuddin Harun's position following the party's defeat. Anwar stated that while he had been informed of the letters submitted by the branches, he had not yet received them, adding, "There is no problem, we can discuss it."

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There is no problem, we can discuss it.

Earlier, Anwar urged party members not to dwell on the recent electoral setbacks, viewing them as valuable lessons. He stressed the importance of listening to the people and being prepared to adapt, stating, "My strong advice to my colleagues on the stage: listen and be prepared to change, not listen in order to respond and lecture." He underscored that PKR is fundamentally a party of reforms, requiring continuous adaptation and responsiveness to public sentiment.

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My strong advice to my colleagues on the stage: listen and be prepared to change, not listen in order to respond and lecture.