Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi moved to clarify his earlier remarks on January 18, 2026, stressing that he did not intend to suggest the existence of factions within the Democratic Action Party (DAP). His explanation came after DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke publicly rejected claims that the party was divided into separate camps.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur after attending the People’s Progressive Party annual general meeting, Zahid said his comments during the closing speech of the 2025 UMNO General Assembly had been misunderstood. He explained that references made at the time were not meant to label DAP as being split into “Team A” or “Team B,” but rather to highlight differing statements made by a small number of individuals within the party.
According to Zahid, the remarks he referred to did not reflect DAP’s official position or the stance of its top leadership. Instead, they were reactions from a limited segment of party members responding to statements made at 2025 Umno general assembly. Zahid acknowledged that such responses should not be interpreted as party policy or as evidence of internal factionalism.
Zahid said the matter had since been clarified directly by Loke, who explained that DAP operates as a unified party with decisions collectively discussed and endorsed by its central leadership. Zahid added that he accepted this explanation and agreed that the party should not be portrayed as divided based on isolated views.
He further stated that if his earlier remarks had caused discomfort or offence, the reference should be withdrawn, reiterating that there was no intention to imply the presence of competing camps within DAP. Zahid emphasised that differences of opinion are common in political organisations and should not automatically be seen as signs of internal conflict, particularly when they do not lead to formal resolutions or policy shifts.
Earlier on January 18, 2026, Loke addressed the issue while officiating the Selangor DAP Annual Convention in Klang. During his address, Loke firmly dismissed suggestions that he had spoken about the existence of a so-called “Team B” within DAP or that any group within the party was acting against its leadership. He underscored that DAP functions as a single, cohesive team, with decisions made collectively through established party structures.
The exchange drew public attention after Zahid was reported on January 17, 2026, as mentioning conflicting statements from what he described as a “Team B” in DAP during his winding-up speech at the UMNO General Assembly. With both leaders now clarifying their positions, the episode appears to have been reduced to a matter of misinterpretation rather than a sign of tension between coalition partners.
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