Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid clarifies his DAP ‘Team B’ comments, stating he never meant to suggest internal divisions after Anthony Loke’s denial.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has clarified his recent remarks regarding DAP, stating he never intended to suggest the existence of internal factions.
The Barisan Nasional chairman said his clarification followed an explanation from DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who denied any divisions within the party.
Ahmad Zahid said he agreed with Loke’s explanation that there is no ‘Team A’ or ‘Team B’ within DAP.
He stated the issues he raised earlier did not reflect DAP’s official stance but were views of a small number of members.
“What I meant in my speech at the closing of the 2025 UMNO General Assembly was to point out that there were differing statements from a small segment of DAP leaders on the issue,” he told a media conference.
Ahmad Zahid was previously reported saying conflicting statements from DAP’s leadership had come from a so-called ‘Team B’.
The UMNO president said the matter had been explained to him by Loke and did not represent the position of DAP’s top leadership.
He described it as merely a minor difference of opinion within the party.
His earlier remarks were meant as an explanation and not confirmation of any factions.
“If that statement caused offence to DAP, I withdraw the reference. It was never my intention to suggest that there are two camps within the party,” he said.
He added that differing views within a party should not be taken as its official position.
This is especially true when they do not amount to party policy or final decisions.
Earlier, Loke denied claims that he had mentioned the existence of a ‘Team B’ within DAP.
He made the denial in his speech officiating the Selangor DAP Annual Convention 2026 in Klang.