All 20 parties in unity govt to hold joint convention in May: Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR – All 20 parties in the unity government will hold a historic joint convention on May 14 as a show of solidarity among its components. 

Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in making the announcement, said the event will be held at the World Trade Centre here. 

He also expressed the party’s full support for the unity government and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the prime minister. 

“This national convention will see the 20 parties in the government, comprising four main coalitions, congregate in a single venue at the same time to show our solidarity,” he said in a press conference at Umno’s headquarters, here, today. 

It will be the first time that the parties will assemble since the unity government was formed following November’s general election. 

The announcement on the convention comes amid ongoing threats by the opposition against the ruling government, with several Perikatan Nasional leaders having expressed their desire to see the fall of the administration. 

Among others, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang had said last month that the opposition must not be blamed if the government collapses, claiming instead that this would be owing to its own flaws and weaknesses. 

Earlier this month, he said it is the opposition’s right to “overthrow” a sitting government, adding that such manoeuvres are normal in a democratic system. 

Meanwhile, Zahid said the parties in the unity government have yet to begin official negotiation on seat distributions for the upcoming state elections, although informal discussions have taken place. 

“The secretariat for the unity government consultative council will deliberate on the details that will be discussed. 

“However, what’s important is that this government must be strengthened under the Madani concept. 

“Umno also appreciates Anwar’s presence at the Umno headquarters (on Sunday) to chair the consultative council meeting. This is good optics,” he said. – The Vibes, March 22, 2023