Happy ending for unity govt convention as parties set aside past feuds

KUALA LUMPUR – The National Unity Government Convention yesterday was not only the first of its kind, but also a show of intense solidarity and unanimity among political foes turned allies. 

Never before in the short history of the unity government has the spirit of togetherness been more evident among component party members, with the determination to set aside political differences for the sake of the nation. 

The convention, held in Barisan Nasional (BN) linchpin Umno’s headquarters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, has potentially dispelled talk of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration possibly falling due to shifting loyalties of component parties. 

With attendees and top party leaders in white instead of the usual party attire, the optics for the gathering was one of those from opposite sides of the political divide setting their sights on a mutual goal – ensuring a better Malaysia.  

Key party figures who delivered speeches during the National Unity Government’s Women Convention and the National Unity Government Pemuda Puteri Convention were also quick to enthuse on their backing for Anwar, despite admitting that cooperation with past opponents is no easy feat. 

Wanita Umno head Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, for example, said that while political cooperation under the unity government would once have been an outlandish concept, the future of the nation necessitates the past being left behind. 

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh expressed similar sentiments, stating that it is better to be in a “forced marriage” with political foes than cooperate with “unfaithful” parties, an apparent dig at former party ally PAS which has since joined the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional. 

Umno was not the only party taking note of the perhaps uncanny circumstances behind the convention, with the event marking the first time that many Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, barring Anwar, had graced the historic Dewan Merdeka where the prime minister once delivered fiery speeches during his time with Umno.  

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke even voiced thoughts believably shared by PH component party leaders, saying: “I think no one from my party ever thought to speak here. I am a bit anxious as I have never spoken on this stage before.”

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, meanwhile, hinted that the unity government is setting its sights on conquering the next general election, assuring delegates that the key to such political success would be to strengthen their support for Anwar. 

Numbering in the thousands, the crowd of convention attendees from 19 political parties appeared receptive to the ideals vocalised not only by their respective party leaders, but also by figures from ex-rival parties. 

Addresses by Anwar, Loke, and PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail received rousing cheers and roaring applause, particularly when Saifuddin declared that the renowned party slogan would need to be modified to reflect the joining of forces represented by the unity government. 

Setting aside speeches laden with urgings to forego past complications in order to usher in a cleaner Malaysia, jarringly omitted from addresses by pivotal party leaders during the main session was mention of the upcoming elections in six states. 

While the polls, which should take place sometime next month, will be the first state elections since the formation of the unity government and are said to be a test of Anwar’s support, no talk of election strategies was brought up during speeches. 

This is likely due to unity government leaders wishing to remain true to the aim of the convention – to show the people that there are no issues of wavering loyalties within the administration, which appears to have set its sights on sticking around for the long term.

Only time can tell how much the convention can assuage ostensible worries in the hearts of the people. 

However, it would be arguably safe to say that the gathering has achieved its goal of presenting a united front with Anwar at its helm. – The Vibes, May 15, 2023

Additional reporting by Amar Shah Mohsen, Adam Ayzzat