KUALA LUMPUR – A senior MCA leader has claimed that Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is no longer fit to lead Barisan Nasional (BN) after the Umno president backtracked on his remarks about the existence of a so-called “Team B” within DAP.
In a statement, MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said Zahid’s actions had insulted BN’s long-established political credibility, adding that the coalition chairman should think carefully before making public statements.
“Claiming that there’s a ‘Team B’ in DAP and then going back on the statement hastily is unnecessary and directly shows that he is not qualified to continue leading BN,” Tan said.
“If Zahid does not immediately evaluate and correct his leadership style, BN will only continue losing support.
“The people need leaders who are responsible, principled and visionary.
“His actions have caused anger and disappointment among BN members and the rakyat; he is currently BN’s greatest liability,” he added in a statement.
Tan, who is also the Penang MCA chairman, said Zahid’s words and actions reflected the entire coalition, stressing that the BN chairman could not act based on personal emotions or individual political manoeuvrings.
“Such irresponsible actions not only tarnish BN’s image but also make BN the laughing stock,” he said.
At the Umno general assembly on Saturday, Zahid claimed that DAP leaders who had attacked former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh were part of DAP’s “Team B”, suggesting internal rifts within the party.
However, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke rejected the allegation, saying there were no factions within the party and that there was only one “Team DAP”.
Responding to Loke’s remarks, Zahid later said he was willing to withdraw his statement, adding that he had never intended to suggest the existence of multiple camps within DAP.
The Umno president said his “Team B” comment was merely an illustration, stating: “If it offends DAP, I withdraw what I said.” – January 19, 2026