'Not party stance': Zahid downplays Umno, Amanah clash in Johor

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has downplayed the war of words between Johor Amanah and his party’s chapter there regarding advanced preparations for the Johor state election.

He said any opinion that is shared publicly, apart from those by the top leaders, would be considered “personal opinions”.

“I have stated that as long as the chairperson, president, or secretary-general of any party has not issued a statement, we assume the statement is a personal opinion and not the party’s official stance,” he said.

Zahid, who is also the BN chairperson, spoke at a press conference today after chairing a meeting on the government’s Socio-Economic Plan for Youth 2030 in Parliament.

Yesterday, Johor Amanah deputy chairperson Dzulkefly Ahmad, who has the same name as the health minister, announced the state party chapter wants to contest 12 to 20 seats.

According to media reports, he also indicated readiness to face a three-cornered fight with BN and Perikatan Nasional in the next Johor election, which is due in mid-2027.

Dzulkefly’s remarks courted backlash from Johor Umno secretary Abdul Halim Sulaiman, who accused Amanah of being ungrateful.

Sabah polls

Touching on the Sabah election, Zahid said there is still time to discuss a collaboration between BN and Pakatan Harapan, given the polls are due to be held by the end of next year.

Having said that, the deputy prime minister emphasised the collaboration between Harapan and BN as the bedrock of the federal government.

“This matter needs to be strengthened at the federal level and also at the state levels, and this will also happen in Sabah.

“This is a decision that we have made in the recent unity government secretariat meeting,” he added.

Two days ago, Sabah BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin said his state coalition chapter is prepared to go solo for the state election if no agreement can be reached with other parties.

Citing Zahid’s previous statement, Bung said BN and Harapan have discussed the possibility of cooperation, including with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to face the state election.

Moments after Zahid’s press conference today, a joint statement by Sabah BN and Harapan indicated that both coalitions have agreed to establish a communication channel to facilitate joint efforts to face the election.

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