Gobind tells Umno, BN to resign if they lack confidence in Anwar’s leadership

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo criticised Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s proposal for an early election, saying the government should instead focus on strengthening the economy. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By R. Loheswar

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 2:21 PM MYT

AMPANG, Nov 12 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today said parties unhappy with the unity government’s leadership should leave the administration rather than pressure the prime minister to call an early election.

In an apparent rebuke to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Gobind said it was unfair to raise the prospect of dissolving Parliament when the government should instead focus on moving the country forward.

“There is no need for us to discuss the issue of dissolution.

“So to me, what Datuk Seri Zahid said is not fair at all,” he told reporters.

Zahid, who is also Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman, had on November 10 said dissolving Parliament to seek a fresh mandate would be preferable to a Cabinet reshuffle.

Gobind today said the government should instead remain focused on strengthening the economy, pointing to Malaysia’s position as an attractive investment destination.

“Prime Minister has done a good job. He is now leading the country towards a stronger economy.

“We can all see that while other countries are facing many challenges, Malaysia is stable. We can see that there are many other countries and industries that see Malaysia as their investment destination. And this is a good sign for our country,” he said.

Gobind then said Umno and Barisan Nasional should resign from the unity government if they were no longer confident in its leadership.

“If Umno do not agree, they are not confident, then they should just resign,” he said.

He added that Cabinet members were collectively responsible for government decisions and should respect the prime minister’s position.

“So please respect the position of the prime minister. If you are not confident, then do not ask them to change. You can just resign,” he said.

Gobind was speaking to reporters at the National AI Readiness Week 2026, organised by PEOPLElogy at The Campus Ampang today.

Zahid’s remarks regarding the dissolution of Parliament came amid speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle following Anthony Loke’s resignation as transport minister and the impending end of Amir Hamzah’s Senate term.

The suggestion has drawn objections from several government leaders, who have argued that any Cabinet vacancies could be addressed without triggering an early general election.