The Barisan chairman said he had no knowledge of any such meeting that supposedly took place yesterday.
He reiterated that the coalition remained committed to the unity government until the 16th General Election.
“I don’t know anything about it. I checked, including with the Home Minister and through my sources, and there was no such meeting. I know nothing about it,” he told reporters after launching the 104th Immigration Day celebration yesterday.
Earlier, social media posts claimed that Barisan, Perikatan, GPS and GRS leaders were expected to hold a joint press conference at 2pm.
The posts, which cited unnamed sources, did not state the purpose of the purported press conference.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid, who is Deputy Prime Minister, said the decision on whether a minister or deputy minister should be removed from office rests solely with the Prime Minister.
He said the power of appointment is the absolute prerogative of the Prime Minister.
“If the Prime Minister suspects, or has verified information, then it is entirely within his authority. There is no need for anyone to resign on their own,” he said.
He added that appointments and dismissals were matters that fell under the Prime Minister’s prerogative.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim warned ministers, deputy ministers and office bearers in government agencies not to use their positions to attack fellow members of the federal government while campaigning during the upcoming state elections.
In Seremban, Ahmad Zahid said Barisan has pledged to create 50,000 new jobs in Negri Sembilan if given the mandate in the Aug 1 state election.
He said the coalition’s manifesto, which would be unveiled later this week, would have more pledges for the benefit of the people compared to those announced by its rivals.
“I still consider us the underdog but wherever I go, voters tell me they miss Barisan very much.
“Since we are sorely missed, we will do our best and God willing, you will have a new government in Negri Sembilan on Aug 1,” he told reporters after presenting excellent service awards to Kemas employees in Kampung Pantai.
Asked whether the pledge to create 50,000 new jobs was realistic, Ahmad Zahid explained that the target was achievable given the state’s strong potential to attract investment.
“I have personally worked on opening an 809ha halal industry park here, which will be developed into a hub and the bulk of products to be exported.
“I have also held discussions with foreign investors on producing vaccines, medical products and related goods,” he added.
On allegations by a Pakatan Harapan candidate that Barisan had used government assets during the state election campaign, Ahmad Zahid said the coalition also had evidence that its rivals had committed similar offences.
“I do not want to say anything, but I have records too. We also have proof of such wrongdoings in other states,” he said.
The Pakatan candidate had alleged that his team received information that public facilities were being used to store party flags and host political gatherings.
