All govt parties agree to work together in state polls - PM

 

All parties in the government have given their commitment to work together in the upcoming state elections, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

This comes after the government’s secretariat held its first meeting at the Umno headquarters in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Anwar also announced the formation of three committees including an electoral committee which will start discussions on seat negotiations for the state polls soon.

“This (committee) will deal with electoral matters of course and seat negotiations as well as focus their work to ensure we have a solid base in facing the upcoming state elections.

“One thing that has been agreed upon which is very positive to me is the commitment from all parties including our friends from Sabah and Sarawak to continue helping as a team,” Anwar said in a press conference after the meeting tonight.

There will also be the formation of the government agenda and political monitoring committee as well as the strategic communications committee.

The former will look at the federal administration’s manifesto as well as priorities such as the cost of living and relations between races and states, he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the strategic communications committee is important to address extremely slanderous statements.

He cited the example of Swedish politician Rasmus Paludan’s action of burning a Quran in the country last Monday - something which outraged Muslims worldwide.

Anwar said people have made statements as if Putrajaya has not taken action over the matter, but he pointed out they actually issued a statement condemning the action and the Swedish ambassador was also called up to explain the incident.

“That is why the strategic communications committee is important,” he said.

Tonight’s federal government secretariat meeting was held at Menara Dato’ Onn in Kuala Lumpur and saw leaders from all parties in the government present.

This marks Anwar’s first time coming back to the Umno headquarters in 25 years since the “Reformasi” movement in 1998.

It was also the first time at the Umno headquarters for DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu. - Mkini