JOHOR BARU – The Umno grassroots must be open to the presence of party representatives from the unity government, especially Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the 2023 Umno general assembly on June 7 to 10, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
He said the invitations for representatives from the 19 political parties in the unity government, including Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar, are in preparation for the coming state polls in six states.
“In such a coalition, we must be open to receiving the presence of leaders, because we are preparing for a bigger political battle, namely the six state polls,” he told a media conference at the Johor Umno liaison office here today.
Ahmad, who is also Johor liaison committee deputy chairman, said this when asked if the presence of the unity government’s party presidents at this year’s general assembly would cause any discontent among the grassroots.
Apart from Anwar, who is also PKR president, other party leaders who have confirmed their attendance are Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Meanwhile, Ahmad, who is also deputy finance minister, urged the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings to focus on the real issues, such as preparations for the state polls, problems plaguing Kelantan and Terengganu, and the claim that Penang belongs to Kedah.
“This is just a suggestion. I cannot order. But I hope the assembly will be used for the opening of the state polls, besides highlighting the success of the states led by the unity government, such as Negri Sembilan, Selangor, and Penang,” he said. – Bernama, June 4, 2023
