BAGAN DATUK: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is standing by his remarks on receiving requests from certain opposition representatives to meet him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman, however, refused to disclose which opposition party sent its representatives to meet him and Anwar to discuss possible cooperation in the next general election.

The Umno president, however, said the parties involved were willing to do anything as they were desperate to return to the federal government once again.

"They were once in the (federal) government, they are now the opposition.

"They want to become the government again. They are resorting to various methods to do so.

"I leave it to the top leaders in the unity government to decide the next course of action," he told reporters after launching the Bagan Datuk Umno division delegates meeting in Sungai Sumun here today.

He was asked if the opposition representatives who wanted to meet him and Anwar were related to rumours suggesting that Pas wanted to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan.

"In politics, we must adopt an open mind. However, there are some people with hidden intentions that we have identified from the beginning.

"As such, it is better for us to strengthen unity among parties aligned with the unity government.

"How we deal with it depends on each party's political framework... What is important is that we should strengthen the federal government," he said.

Zahid yesterday revealed that there were requests from opposition representatives to meet him and Anwar to discuss possible cooperation for 16th General Election.

"There were 'delegations' wanting to meet me and Anwar. But I am not yet open to meeting them," he was quoted as saying.

Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he was not aware of any opposition leaders or members requesting to meet Zahid or Anwar.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/07/1082898/zahid-stands-remarks-opposition-representatives-seeking-meetings-him