Bombshell Affidavit Could Strain Anwar Zahid Relationship Says Analyst

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Political analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said the revelations in Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s affidavit may see Umno press for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to issue a public statement.PETALING JAYA: A “bombshell” affidavit by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is likely to create tensions between him and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a political analyst says.
Earlier today, it was reported that Zahid, the deputy prime minister, had in the affidavit claimed to have sighted a copy of a “supplementary order” issued by the former king allowing Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence at home.
The affidavit was filed in support of Najib’s bid to compel the government to produce the order purportedly issued by Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah one day before he stepped down on Jan 30.
Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani.Political analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani said Zahid’s affidavit could compel Umno to demand a public statement from Anwar and press for Najib to complete his sentence at home.
“The party’s grassroots may not accept anything less,” he told FMT.
Asrul, formerly of BowerGroupAsia, said Umno may not want to work with Anwar’s PKR beyond the current parliamentary term if such a request is denied.
He said the alliance was already near breaking point.
Azmi Hassan.Akademi Nusantara’s Azmi Hassan said Zahid’s revelation would also put pressure on home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and prisons director-general Nordin Muhamad.
Zahid’s affidavit, he said, gave credence to claims of the existence of the purported supplementary order.
“The home minister should answer this particular bombshell because it has affected the government. Zahid’s revelation puts pressure on him and Anwar to come clean, because this has been circulating for quite some time. Something needs to be done fast.
“It will affect cooperation between Umno and PH, which run the government now. If the government keeps quiet, there is going to be turmoil.
“This will also test the unity coalition’s relationship ahead of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election,” Azmi said.
Earlier today, the High Court set June 5 as the hearing date for Najib’s application for leave to commence judicial review proceedings.
Despite confirming its existence, Zahid said in his affidavit that he was not in possession of the document. - FMT

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