KUALA LUMPUR – DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo has told Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign as Deputy Prime Minister if he no longer has confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership.
Gobind said Zahid's suggestion that Parliament be dissolved was misplaced, arguing that the decision rested with Anwar and that the prime minister should not be pressured into making such a move.
Speaking to reporters after opening National AI Readiness Week here today, the Digital Minister said the Cabinet was functioning well and Malaysia's economy remained stable despite challenges faced by other countries.
He also highlighted Malaysia's continued attractiveness as an investment destination, saying the country should concentrate on strengthening its economy instead of being distracted by calls for political changes.
"If he (Zahid) doesn't believe in (Anwar's) leadership, then he can resign as deputy prime minister," Gobind said.
He added that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders who disagreed with Anwar's leadership could similarly leave the government rather than demand that Parliament be dissolved.
"If Umno and BN don't agree with Anwar or don't believe in him, then they can resign. There's no need to pressure the prime minister," he said.
Gobind also reminded Cabinet members that their appointments were made at the prime minister's discretion and that they should respect the authority of the office.
"They have to respect the position of the prime minister. Their appointment as cabinet members was based on the prime minister's decision. So, have some respect.
"If you don't believe in him, don't ask the prime minister to dissolve parliament. You can resign. It's easy," he added.
On Tuesday, Zahid said dissolving Parliament would be preferable to a Cabinet reshuffle, maintaining that the existing line-up did not require any changes.
He also argued that a fresh mandate should be sought from the people before a new government was formed.
His remarks came amid speculation of a possible Cabinet reshuffle following the conclusion of Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan's term as a senator on December 11, as well as Transport Minister Anthony Loke's resignation.
However, Anwar dismissed the speculation as premature, saying it was too early to discuss a Cabinet reshuffle and that he was unaware of developments concerning the positions in question.
Meanwhile, Gobind said DAP would leave it to Anwar to decide on Loke's successor following the latter's resignation as transport minister with immediate effect on Tuesday.
Asked whether DAP had submitted a candidate to replace Loke, Gobind reiterated that the decision rested entirely with the prime minister. - November 12, 2026
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