KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his commitment to preserving strong ties with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno, saying the interests of political stability and economic development must outweigh partisan considerations.
The PKR president said the formation of the Unity Government was based on collective understanding and political wisdom aimed at rebuilding the nation’s economy, rather than being driven by anger or emotional reactions.
Anwar also highlighted his close working relationships with key coalition leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, saying these ties remained intact.
“Ask me what my choice is? I choose stability, I choose the prosperity of the people through economic growth, and I choose to continue working with Barisan Nasional and Umno at the federal level so that these two principles can be upheld.
“That is my choice. Let them answer for their own choices. As a party of struggle, we must be prepared for anything. But we must safeguard this unity with wisdom because my personal relationship with Datuk Seri Zahid remains very good, and we can negotiate as friends,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks during his presidential winding-up speech on the second day of the PKR National Congress 2026 at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) in Ayer Keroh today.
His comments followed concerns raised by several state delegates who expressed dissatisfaction with certain actions by coalition partners, particularly Umno, over decisions at state level that they claimed were made without prior consultation with PKR leaders.
Some delegates described the situation as similar to “clapping with one hand”, reflecting their frustration over what they viewed as unilateral decisions by certain partners within the Unity Government.
Responding to the concerns, Anwar acknowledged that several unexpected developments had taken place in recent months without prior notice being given to PKR.
However, he urged coalition partners to exercise restraint and avoid impulsive reactions, stressing that cooperation must be built on consultation, loyalty and mutual respect.
“What has happened over the past few months is that several unexpected decisions were made without informing us. Their reason was that these were strategies to strengthen their party, and that is their right.
“But in any alliance, there must be loyalty, proper consultation and mutual respect. When a village burns, we see the smoke, but who knows whose heart is burning? The price of maintaining and building this country is too high, so use wisdom and do not act rashly,” he said. - August 16, 2026
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