'Keep calm': Azalina rebukes DAP, says Umno upholding coalition govt agreement

Published: Nov 13, 2026 2:38 PM

Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said has penned a sharp rebuke to DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo, following the latter’s challenge for Umno ministers to quit the cabinet if they have lost faith in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Azalina (above) listed four suggestions for DAP, including for it to “remain calm”, in light of the party’s “apparent dissatisfaction” with recent developments on the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak...

Her remarks today came after Gobind yesterday described Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s suggestion that Anwar dissolve Parliament, rather than conduct a cabinet reshuffle, as disrespectful.

Talks of a cabinet reshuffle emerged after DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke stepped down as transport minister, a move prompted by the Pakatan Harapan party’s stance against the house arrest granted to Najib.

In a statement today, Azalina said Loke’s resignation was a “unilateral decision” by DAP without any prior consultation and has inevitably resulted in political instability amongst coalition partners.

She also described Gobind’s remarks as “regrettable”, asserting that such comments do little to strengthen the spirit of cooperation within the coalition government, which she reminded was established following a royal decree after the 15th general election.

DAP and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo vs Deputy PM and BN President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi 121126 — DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo (left) and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Azalina further referenced particulars of the coalition agreement which established the unity government’s framework for political cooperation, highlighting that Umno is merely upholding the commitments underscored in the agreement.

“Commitments under the coalition agreement should not be misconstrued as requiring every coalition partner to agree unconditionally with every political position or statement made by the prime minister or other political leaders.

“Issuing public ultimatums to the president of a coalition partner is neither constructive nor consistent with the spirit of the coalition agreement.

“If there are differences of opinion among coalition partners, the appropriate response is dialogue and consultation, not public pressure or demands for resignation,” said Azalina, who is also the de facto law minister.

Friction between Harapan, BN

Zahid and other Umno figures have repeatedly pushed for a Parliament to be dissolved while making clear their intention to part ways with Anwar and Harapan ahead of the next general election.

Azalina explained that since the coalition agreement does not include a termination clause as it is intended to last until the end of the 15th parliamentary term, the “obvious conclusion” would be for the dissolution of the 15th Parliament.

While the termination of the coalition agreement was one of Umno’s suggestions for DAP, Azalina said another recourse for DAP would be for it to invoke mediation via a consultative council, as provided for under Clause 5(c) of the agreement.

“Here, it is certainly curious that the mediation clause was not invoked earlier, knowing that the subject of pardon (for Najib) has been public knowledge since January 2024,” Azalina remarked.

Another recourse, she said, would be for DAP to “remain calm and allow the existing arrangements to continue”, considering how it had “also benefitted” from the exercise of the royal prerogative of mercy in 2018 for Anwar and the royal decree in 2022 which led to the formation of the coalition government.

Such matters, she said, underscores the importance of respecting both the constitutional role and the royal prerogative of issuing pardon.

Umno’s final suggestion for DAP was for it to seek a review of Paragraph C of the agreement, which affirms the signatories’ commitment to uphold the Federal Constitution, including the constitutional position of Islam, the Malays and bumiputera, and the institution of the Malay Rulers.

“Any consideration by DAP to review Paragraph C of the Recital would bring forth unanticipated consequences to the continuity of the unity government.

“Umno will continue to honour our commitments, respect the leadership of the prime minister, and uphold the Federal Constitution. We have made our position clear.

“The next move is yours.”

Decision on Najib's pardon bid to uphold constitutional rights, Anwar says

COMMENT | Najib's house arrest: One country. One Constitution. One system of justice?

DAP MP seeks parliamentary inspection of Najib’s residence

Your boss doesn't even see the hypocrisy of sloppily campaigning on state election against a unity government party in federal government. UMNO cabinet ministers should have stayed out of state elections.

Quigonbond08:52 PM, 13 Nov 2026

YB Azlina, how is Umnbo upholding the Unity Gomen agreement when your preident openly sabotage the Madani Gomen by claiming that it is below par and others can do better? The said president openly calls for snap elections and openly suggest that the Madani Gomen be dissolved. Umno members are openly calling for Dap MPs to resign from the Gomen even though they do not disagree with the Gomen. Others have called for those Umno MPs and Ministers who disagree with the Gomen and sabotage the Gomen to resign, what's wrong with that. The Rakyat won't ask hardworking Ministers and MPs to go especially if they are supportive of the Gomen's agenda. So, it is better that someone stays calm and not talk 3 talk 4.

Lone_star07:17 PM, 13 Nov 2026

DAP take it on as your PH leadership will be doing a song and dance . No conviction.

Harmonious Harmony06:12 PM, 13 Nov 2026

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Quigonbond08:52 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Lone_star07:17 PM, 13 Nov 2026

DAP take it on as your PH leadership will be doing a song and dance . No conviction.

Harmonious Harmony06:12 PM, 13 Nov 2026

How "songsang" they can be. You are the government and you form coalition with the opposition. Is her brain still right to ask dap to keep calm as you sinked the ship by open salvo on them.

OrangeCamel05:28 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Dear YB Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, As Malaysia’s de facto Law Minister, your recent political statements have left me deeply surprised, disappointed and concerned. You are a learned legal professional entrusted with defending justice, constitutional integrity and the fundamental rights of Malaysians. Yet recent developments raise troubling questions about whether political loyalty is overshadowing the principles of justice. YB, remember this: NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW! The controversy surrounding Najib Razak’s house arrest has shaken public confidence. While we respect the constitutional powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysians deserve transparency, accountability and assurance that justice is administered equally, regardless of political influence, wealth or status.Justice must never become a privilege reserved for the politically powerful! You must distinguish between defending constitutional principles and defending political interests. Your responsibility as Law Minister extends far beyond party boundaries. Look around our beloved nation. Corruption remains a concern, immigration enforcement faces serious challenges, and ordinary Malaysians increasingly question whether offenders are being held accountable.Where is the decisive leadership? Where is the reassurance that our laws protect every citizen equally? Malaysia is a beautiful multiracial nation built upon mutual respect, tolerance and shared aspirations. Reckless political rhetoric, selective accountability and perceived double standards risk eroding the unity we have worked generations to preserve. YB Azalina, listen to the pulse of the RAKYAT! Do not dismiss legitimate criticism or allow political convenience to undermine public trust. Never establish precedents that future wrongdoers could exploit.The Rakyat are not demanding political favours. We are demanding fairness, transparency, integrity and equal justice. History will not remember how fiercely you defended your political colleagues. It will remember how courageously you defended the Constitution and the people. Malaysia deserves leaders who serve justice, not personalities! THE LAW MUST REMAIN SUPREME. THE RAKYAT MUST NEVER BE SILENCED.

ANGRY BIRD 202605:17 PM, 13 Nov 2026

That my friend is what UMNO arrogance sounds like. From having their tails between their legs a few years ago , they have been given a life line by a combination of a weak leader , collective deceit and weak subservient minds. Now they sharpen their claws with glee. The prom queen has spoken.

Bharat10:32 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Azalina’s reasons in supporting Umno’s call For the dissolution of Parliament are right. This govt was formed by a royal mandate when the constitution does not say that’s how a gov is formed in a constitutional democracy. This govt wants to enforce royal oversight over PArliament when in a parliamentary democracy the supreme oversight body is Parliament. This govt did not stop the pardon’s board from making a house arrest decision that the constitution doesn’t provide for. The above are all unconstitutional. It shouldn’t have happened this way but it did. The result is unhealthy inter-coalition animosity. The solution? GE, that’s correct.

GP202505:09 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Azalina tells DAP to “remain calm” and settle its differences behind closed doors. Perhaps she should give Zahid the same advice. He’s the one publicly calling for Parliament to be dissolved over a possible Cabinet reshuffle, while Umno is already talking about going its own way at the next GE. If Umno is serious about honouring the coalition agreement, it can start by letting Anwar govern and holding its own leaders to the same standard it expects of DAP.

Iv4n04:55 PM, 13 Nov 2026

What nonsense! How does that make sense? Telling others to keep calm while you go on overdrive behind their back to form new partnership with third party that is not only in direct conflict with the existing coalition partners but is at war with them.

BlueFish045104:08 PM, 13 Nov 2026

UMNO does a class act in stirring things up and then making it look like they are the “good guys”. Never trust UMNO. We are where we are because PM is like a puppet at the end of the strings, controlled by UMNO. Anything but and without UMNO (ABU) to make Malaysia great again (MAGA).

Quad03:55 PM, 13 Nov 2026

DAP cannot publicly call for UMNO's resignations but UMNO can public call for parliament dissolution LMAO double standards kot

Gabriel03:42 PM, 13 Nov 2026

What cooperation is this arrogant umno fella talking about when clear stabbing of PH right left and centre is happening out in the open? Never learn to admit any wrongdoing but has the ketuanan mindset to rebuke those they have undermined. Memang tak tahu malu!

Optimus03:34 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Why is UMNO worried if a DAP minister quits his minister post??

RDX03:32 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Azalina Othman Said’s call for DAP to respect the letter of the coalition government agreement is disingenuous. Even the most carefully drafted agreement is subject to interpretation. Words do not interpret themselves, and no political agreement can be divorced from the circumstances, intentions and principles that produced it. Azalina appears to insist that UMNO’s interpretation is the only legitimate one. Yet coalition government requires negotiation, mutual accommodation and respect for the spirit as well as the letter of an agreement. What is increasingly apparent is that UMNO is using what residual political power it possesses to recover the influence and privileges it enjoyed during its decades of dominance. Its position as an indispensable partner in Anwar Ibrahim’s government gives it leverage far beyond what its electoral performance alone would justify. More revealing is Azalina’s apparent willingness to invoke Anwar’s royal pardon in the same breath as Najib Razak’s clemency. There are important distinctions. Anwar received a full royal pardon in 2018 following the historic change of government, with the support of the then prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad. Najib, by contrast, received a reduction of his sentence in 2024. The constitutional processes and legal consequences must not be conflated. Nevertheless, Anwar’s pardon was undeniably situated within a broader political settlement that accompanied the transfer of power in 2018. Does Azalina now suggest that Najib’s clemency should likewise be understood as part of a political accommodation? And what of Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the current UMNO president and deputy prime minister, who was granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in his corruption proceedings? A DNAA is not an acquittal, nor is it a finding of guilt. It leaves open the possibility of renewed prosecution. Equally, it raises legitimate questions about prosecutorial independence and public confiden8ce when the beneficiary occupies such an important position in the governing coalition. Taken together, these episodes invite an uncomfortable question: are we witnessing the normal operation of constitutional and judicial institutions, or the gradual emergence of political settlements among elites that the rakyat is expected to accept without question? There is no justification for assuming that the three cases were governed by identical arrangements. But neither should their political contexts be ignored. The constitutional power of pardon, the independence of the prosecution and the integrity of coalition agreements must remain distinguishable from political bargaining. Ultimately, the coalition government owes its allegiance not merely to an agreement between political parties, but to the rakyat and the constitutional principles upon which democratic government rests.

Exile03:26 PM, 13 Nov 2026

It is an irony that Anthony Loke used to tell DAP leaders and supporters to have cool head and now DAP needs a timely reminder from an UMNO leader like Azalina to keep calm. When is DAP going to stop whining and attacking UMNO out of sheer desperation?

WINNING Scarecrow03:22 PM, 13 Nov 2026

The next move is yours, Gobind Singh.

BANGSA MALAYSIA03:21 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Umno and DAP on collision course. They are like cats and dogs and can never get along together being two different party set ups differ in ideology, vision, composition, race , religion and members profile I wonder how they can work together under the superficial Unity Madani government for the last 4 years - all for show and to show a semblance of unity but with daggers behind their backs. I also wonder how desperately DAP wanted to team up with Umno ostensibly for the malay votes under UmDap going all the way to Umno HQ en block just to shake hands, take a group photo and curry favour with Umno leaders for a cheap publicity shot.

Anonymous_3f4b03:13 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Bcos both parties falsely think highly of themselves without regards to the supporters who put them where they are now and also treat them like "fixed deposits".

CareOneCareAll03:40 PM, 13 Nov 2026

How does PH allow BN to use one hand to hold PH seemingly in a friendly clasp while holding a knife in the other to stab PH repeatedly. This is so strange. Is Anwar not feeling the pain yet? It’s certain they will kill him. For sure.

Autogenerated!!03:13 PM, 13 Nov 2026

How about Umno people making noise and sleeping with enemies....one statement from Gobind and u act innocent

Marriwala03:06 PM, 13 Nov 2026

If you attacjk your partnersin public you might as well leave.Should thank your partners for saving your party.

Truly Malaysian03:00 PM, 13 Nov 2026

Excellent, the reason Gobind and other PH leaders are asking the Deputy Prime Minister 1 to resign is that he and most UMNO ministers in the federal government are undermining the Prime Minister and all PH ministers in the federal government during all state elections; you should be advising your UMNO ministers in the unity government instead of trying to teach others when you cannot walk the talk.

Darwin Fernandez02:51 PM, 13 Nov 2026