KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional leaders should resign from the Cabinet rather than push for the dissolution of Parliament if they have lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, says DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo.
“You resign, no need to pressure the Prime Minister,” the Digital Minister told reporters after launching the National AI Readiness Week 2026 in Ampang on Thursday (Nov 12).
Gobind was responding to remarks by Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who had suggested calling for an early general election.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the suggestion in Melaka on Nov 10 when asked about a possible Cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Gobind described Ahmad Zahid's remarks as inappropriate, particularly coming from a Deputy Prime Minister, and stressed that the decision to dissolve Parliament rests solely with Anwar.
“They should show some respect. If they have no confidence in the leadership, they should resign instead of asking the Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament.
“If he has no confidence in the leadership, he is free to resign as Deputy Prime Minister. That is his choice. However, the current Prime Minister is performing his duties well and steering the country towards a stronger position,” he said.
Gobind added that Malaysia has remained stable and attractive to foreign investors despite global economic challenges, noting that Barisan ministers were appointed at the Prime Minister's discretion.
“At present, the Prime Minister has the authority to make that decision, and the Cabinet is functioning well. There is no need to exert pressure or create instability within the government when the country is moving forward. There is no need to discuss the dissolution of Parliament,” he said.
On Nov 10, Ahmad Zahid said it would be better to return the mandate to the people rather than carry out a Cabinet reshuffle after Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, stepped down.
Loke resigned on the same day in protest against the decision allowing former prime minister and ex-Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest following the settlement of a RM50mil fine.
