KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government has the potential to remain in power after the 16th general election if it provides support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president noted this was based on his observation of the high attendance at the recent Madani open house events, which were held in Kedah, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
“I observe the state-level open houses we attended. I feel shocked, as old friends, we (Anwar and Zahid) were separated for 25 years, now we are (leading the nation) together,” he said in his speech at the unity government national convention today.
“I am confident if we continue to support Anwar, we can go past GE16,” he added.
Zahid said Malaysians want to see the unity government move forward, where diversity acts as its basis to make progress.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke told reporters that he was confident that the unity government will be intact after the current term if the parties continued to cooperate and provide commitment.
He said today’s national convention is a sign that political cooperation is the start of a better future.
On whether the grassroots will be supportive of such an idea, Loke said it is the duty of party leaders to explain the need to maintain the current make-up of the government.
“If leaders provide a clear direction to them, certainly most grassroots members of each respective party will be able to accept this cooperation.
“I’m also confident that leaders and grassroots understand why the unity government was formed after the last general election.”
Loke said he is also confident that the camaraderie and spirit of cooperation shown by government parties since its formation in November can be felt by those on the ground.
“This convention proves that we have a high commitment to defend this unity government, not just to face the coming state elections, but beyond that.” – The Vibes, May 14, 2023
Additional reporting by Amar Shah Mohsen
