2-1-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian opposition party has been vehemently denying their involvement in what has been dubbed “Operation Dubai,” an alleged plan to overthrow Prime Minister Anwar’s government in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. However, both Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamid confirmed on Tuesday (January 2) that there might be some basis to Dubai’s actions.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Anwar addressed the issue, stating that “Operation Dubai,” which has gained recent popularity, had no impact on the unity government. He urged everyone to focus on their work, saying, “I am aware of Operation Dubai, but let’s prioritize our responsibilities.”
Anwar emphasized that it is the opposition parties’ role to challenge the government. He added, “That’s their job, but it doesn’t affect me in any way.” Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a separate press conference, acknowledged that he had knowledge of the situation regarding “Operation Dubai” before the individuals involved flew to Dubai. However, Zahid refused to divulge the identities of those involved, stating, “We receive information when certain individuals travel to the UAE.”
Zahid expressed his belief that any attempt to overthrow the unity government, which holds a significant majority in the Dewan Rakyat, would be futile. He remarked, “If anyone wants to overthrow the government, they can wait until the 16th general election.”
According to reports from the Malay newspaper “Daily News” and the English newspaper “New Straits Times” on Saturday (December 30), Ismail, the deputy director of the Community Communications Bureau under the Ministry of Communications, revealed that several Perikatan Nasional MPs initiated the discussions while on vacation in the United Arab Emirates as part of “Operation Dubai.” The operation allegedly aimed to identify and persuade members of Congress.
Ismail further claimed that influential and senior politicians with the honorific “Tun” were involved, including a former prime minister and a former finance minister. However, members of the Perikatan Nasional Party, including Bersatu and PAS, later denied these allegations.
