KUALA LUMPUR – It was a historic moment at Wisma MCA today as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stepped foot inside the party’s headquarters for the first time in close to 25 years since he was unceremoniously sacked from Umno and the cabinet in 1998.
The PKR president was attending MCA’s Chinese New Year open house following a personal invitation made to him.
The gesture signifies the burying of hatchet between the two quarters, who have been on opposite ends of the political divide over the past two-and-a-half decades.
Anwar has been leading PKR since his removal from Umno then and is also now the chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH), which has been the traditional opponent of Barisan Nasional (BN), the coalition which consists of MCA.
However, the formation of the unity government after the 15th general election and Anwar’s rise to the prime ministership see the two coalitions now on cordial terms.
Speaking to the press after attending the event today, Anwar expressed his gratitude to MCA for inviting him over, saying he was delighted to meet many of his old friends.
“MCA is an old friend. The good thing is that our friendship never ends although we are in different parties and we may have different views from time to time. But now we are back together.”
When asked what prompted him to be in attendance today, Anwar said: “Previously when I was sacked from Umno, I was forced to fight. When I was in prison, I couldn’t come (to MCA events), but now I have the space and we are on friendlier terms.”
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also graced the open house, similarly noted Anwar’s presence at Wisma MCA for the first time in 25 years, describing it as a good sign in the bigger picture of national politics.
“In the year of the rabbit, under this new political landscape, we must accept the fact that Malaysia must be develop in a relatively difficult post-pandemic phase, but it is not impossible if we are united as a nation,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar arrived at the MCA headquarters with a heavily escorted police convoy at 9.30am and was greeted by MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and other top party leaders.
Anwar, who was donning a vibrant red Batik, was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Others who were present to greet the PKR president include Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil.
They later made their way to the main hall where they took part in the traditional yee sang prosperity toss, and were treated to a lion dance and other performances.
Anwar left around 10.40am to attend another Chinese New Year open house organised by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. – The Vibes, January 22, 2023
