SHAH ALAM, March 7 — Perikatan Nasional chairman Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has dismissed claims linking him to an alleged political meeting in Bangkok referred to by some as the “Bangkok Move.”
In a statement posted on his social media account, the Terengganu Menteri Besar said he had no involvement in any meeting related to the alleged move, rejecting speculation that he participated in discussions about political cooperation or a possible realignment among Malaysian parties.
“Referring to statements made by certain parties, I wish to clarify that I was not involved in any meeting in Bangkok referred to by some as the ‘Bangkok Move’, as reported,” Samsuri said.
He added that any meeting or discussion linked to the alleged political manoeuvre did not involve him and had nothing to do with him.
Speculation Over Political Meeting
The controversy emerged after media reports claimed that Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), had met with Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin during a visit to Bangkok last year.
The reported meeting allegedly discussed the possibility of uniting Malay and Islamic political parties in Malaysia, sparking speculation about new political alignments ahead of future elections.
Some reports also suggested that Samsuri and Takiyuddin Hassan, secretary-general of Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), were among political leaders believed to have attended the meeting.
However, Samsuri strongly rejected the claims and stressed that his name should not be linked to speculation about the alleged political gathering.
Call to Stop Speculation
Samsuri also urged the public and political observers to refrain from spreading unverified claims about the matter.
“I hope all parties will not speculate or associate my name with matters that did not happen,” he said, emphasising that the rumours circulating about the Bangkok meeting were inaccurate.
Political Context
The speculation comes amid a dynamic political landscape in Malaysia, with discussions about possible alliances among major parties continuing ahead of the next general election.
Samsuri was recently appointed chairman of Perikatan Nasional after Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down from the role earlier this year. The coalition includes parties such as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and PAS.
Political analysts say rumours of high-level meetings among leaders from different parties often emerge during periods of shifting alliances in Malaysian politics, particularly as parties explore strategies ahead of future elections.
For now, Samsuri’s statement aims to clarify his position and put an end to speculation surrounding the alleged Bangkok meeting.
