Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appeared in good spirits during today’s Cabinet meeting despite recent tensions between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) during the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign.
Photos shared on Anwar’s Facebook page showed the two leaders, who are also PH and BN chairmen respectively, entering the meeting room while having what appeared to be a casual conversation.
Several PH and BN leaders were also present at the Cabinet meeting, including DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming, BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir and Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin.
The meeting took place a day after Zahid said Anwar had the authority to remove the eight BN ministers if he was unhappy with their actions, following Anwar’s warning that ministers who criticised government partners while campaigning should resign.
Anwar also appeared to ease the situation through a poem shared on his Facebook page, highlighting the importance of maintaining cooperation despite differences.
“Though we may take different steps, let our friendship live on. As long as there is consensus, we remain on the same path,” said Anwar, who is also PKR president.
The cooperation between PH and BN was formed after the 2022 General Election resulted in a hung Parliament, with Zahid leading BN’s 30 MPs in supporting Anwar’s appointment as prime minister.
Anwar’s unity government currently has the backing of 151 MPs, comprising representatives from PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), as well as other parties and independent lawmakers.
