AYER KEROH – Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that his relationship with Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is currently at a breaking point.
The allegations arose after both coalitions chose not to collaborate in the Johor State Election held last July and the Negeri Sembilan State Election last August.
Anwar stressed that differences in stance or competition at the state level do not mean that the relationship between him and Zahid at the national level is experiencing a rift.
“That is his personal view, and indeed he (Khairy) always looks at things from a combative perspective. I look at it from a peaceful approach, but he is different. His path is conflict, my path is peace.
“That is why earlier in my speech I expressed my gratitude for the role played by Datuk Seri Zahid, Umno, and the entire BN in establishing the Unity Government at the initial stage,” he said when met after officiating the 2026 Keadilan National Congress at Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here on Saturday.
He said this when commenting on a statement by former Umno Youth chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, who claimed that the situation followed the relationship between the two main leaders of the BN and PH parties being at its lowest point since the Unity Government was formed in 2022.
Khairy said the relationship between BN and PH has become increasingly challenging, particularly after BN chose to work with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the Negeri Sembilan State Election.
Khairy alleged that the collaboration triggered a major rift between BN and PH, thereby raising questions about how far BN will continue to defend the Unity Government.
When asked about the status of the relationship and cooperation between the two parties at the national level, Anwar said it is progressing well and there are no issues whatsoever.
“Is there any fighting? At the state level, a little bit. That’s normal,” he quipped.
Meanwhile, commenting on the government's decision to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku), he said the matter would be brought to the Cabinet meeting this Wednesday.
Speaking at the Keadilan National Congress 2026, he informed that the decision to repeal Auku was made to grant broader freedom and democratic space to student movements in the country.
He added that the decision followed memorandums and views submitted by student leadership who wanted a comprehensive overhaul of the act.