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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has played down speculation over his public display of warmth towards newly appointed Perikatan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, insisting their cordial exchange during a parliamentary breaking-of-fast event reflected a longstanding friendship rather than political manoeuvring.
The two leaders, who represent opposing political blocs, were seen exchanging a firm handshake and pleasantries before taking seats at the same table during the Ramadan gathering at Parliament on Tuesday evening, 24 February.
Asked whether the encounter signalled a shift in political dynamics, Anwar replied: “Of course we’re friendly. We’re friends. It’s Ramadan, and it’s normal to break fast together.”
Ahmad Samsuri, a vice-president of the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), recently assumed the leadership of Perikatan Nasional following the resignation of former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The Prime Minister’s brief remarks came amid separate questions over whether a Royal Commission of Inquiry would be established to investigate allegations concerning share ownership by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Azam Baki.
“We’ll discuss,” Anwar said, declining to elaborate.
Earlier in the day, Hassan Abdul Karim, Member of Parliament for Pasir Gudang from the Pakatan Harapan coalition, called for an investigation into alleged “corporate mafia” links and Azam’s shareholdings.
Previously, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirmed that a Special Investigation Committee convened on 19 February to record Azam’s explanation regarding the matter.
Separately, Anwar attended the parliamentary breaking-of-fast event at the Dewan Bankuet Parliament Hall, arriving at approximately 6.30 pm. He was received by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as parliamentary staff.
Held under the theme ‘Islah MADANI: Purifying the Soul, Building the Ummah’, the event featured a brief religious talk delivered by Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil.
Following the breaking of fast, Anwar joined senior leaders and parliamentary staff in performing the Maghrib prayers in congregation at a designated space within the banquet hall.
Earlier, the Prime Minister also visited the Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Baru, mingling with traders and members of the public. - February 25, 2026