WISMA Putra tonight confirmed the Qatari emir will visit Malaysia despite an economic blockade by other Middle East nations, and refuted there was a cabinet rift over the visit. 

Both Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman both denied there was a rift between them, as reported by The Malaysian Insight early today. 

“Hishammuddin Hussein and I have long been working very well and closely with each other on many occasions,” Anifah said in a statement. 

“The government of Malaysia looks forward to the state visit by the emir of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other Malaysian government agencies are currently making the necessary preparations for the visit,” he added. 

He also said Malaysia had made its position clear on “the ongoing difficulties between the Arab Quartet and Qatar”.

“Why should there be rift? The rift is between the Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Do you really think that I can stop the emir of Qatar if he wants to come?” Hishammuddin said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby. – August 15, 2017.