Zahid’s criticism puts BN-PH ties under fresh strain

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s open criticism of the policies of the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his policy speech and winding-up address at the 2026 Umno General Assembly (PAU) has raised questions over the future of relations between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the Unity Government.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid also made several sarcastic remarks, including his use of the term “guru”, apparently referring to Anwar.

The remarks at Umno’s largest gathering appeared to underscore growing strains between the two coalition partners.

Political analyst and geostrategist Dr Azmi Hassan said the strong statements by the Bagan Datuk MP, despite his continued role in Anwar’s Cabinet, indicated that BN was unlikely to continue cooperating with PH in the 16th General Election (GE16).

He said Ahmad Zahid’s assurance that BN would continue supporting the government until the end of its term was primarily aimed at maintaining political stability.

“Based on the speeches delivered by Umno’s top leadership, including Ahmad Zahid himself, during the assembly, relations with PH appear to be increasingly strained and difficult to repair.

“I see it as quite unlikely that BN and PH will continue their cooperation after this.

“As GE16 approaches, BN will not cooperate with PH because the attacks in Ahmad Zahid’s speech appear to amount to a declaration of political war.

“This is due to several factors, including Umno’s growing confidence, not only because the party is stronger but also because of PH’s weaknesses, including various internal problems and divisions within the coalition,” he told Sinar Harian.

Azmi said Umno-BN’s call for GE16 to be held soon was also timely, given the growing voter rejection of PH in several state elections (PRN).

He said efforts by Umno-BN to pursue closer cooperation with PAS were also expected to strengthen its support.

“In my view, the best option for BN-Umno in GE16 is to work with PAS.

“Both sides need to demonstrate greater seriousness and commitment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) political analyst Dr Hussain Yusri Zawawi said Ahmad Zahid’s open criticism was aimed at strengthening Umno’s position in political negotiations.

“The firm tone, criticism and sarcasm throughout the assembly clearly showed growing confidence within Umno. BN’s performance in several elections has given new momentum to its leadership and grassroots.

“However, Umno needs to be cautious about assuming too early that public support has fully returned. Victories in certain elections do not necessarily reflect the same pattern of support nationwide.

“Support among voters can change depending on the state, candidate, current issues, cost of living and voter turnout.

“Therefore, the hardline tone can also be seen as a strategy to boost the morale of party members and put Umno in a stronger position in political negotiations, rather than proof that the party has fully recovered,” he said.

Asked whether Umno’s continued pressure on Anwar could pave the way for GE16 to be held earlier than scheduled, Hussain Yusri did not rule out the possibility.

He said Umno-BN appeared determined to let voters decide which government should lead the country amid various grievances against the Unity Government.

“The possibility of GE16 being held earlier is increasingly plausible, especially after the Umno president himself expressed his desire for the election to be expedited and described PAU 2026 as the final assembly before GE16.

“However, Umno’s call alone does not determine the election date. The dissolution of Parliament depends on the Prime Minister’s consideration and the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

He said Anwar would also consider the stability of the government, the economic situation and the readiness of all parties before deciding whether to call an early election.

“In my view, the political pressure following PAU 2026 could accelerate discussions on GE16, but it is not enough to ensure that Parliament will be dissolved in the near future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Institute of Malaysian Political Studies (MAPAN) director Associate Professor Dr Mashitah Mohd Udin said the current tensions between PH and BN would be a major test of Anwar’s political wisdom.

She said Anwar’s response as PH chairman would determine the future direction of relations between the two coalitions, which were once rivals.

“I believe PH is likely to adopt a ‘calm but firm’ approach.

“PH may allow Umno to express its sentiments at PAU because the party needs to respond to the demands of its grassroots supporters.

“At the same time, Anwar will want to ensure that the criticism does not develop into a real threat to the stability of the government. This is where Anwar’s political wisdom will be tested.

“If too much room is given to Umno, PH may be seen as giving in too easily.

“But if PH takes too hard a stance against Umno, it could push the party further towards seeking a political alternative with PAS or Perikatan Nasional (PN),” she said.