The coalition government’s national convention, scheduled for this Sunday (May 14), will forge closer ties among the grassroots of the ruling administration, said Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Asyraf, who is the coalition government’s secretariat chief, divulged that while cooperation was established at the federal level, this is not necessarily the case at the grassroots level.
“The convention is the best platform to ignite a more thorough cooperation, not only among the top brass and national level, but also on the state level or, as PKR calls it, the branch and division level.
“Therefore, the convention is a starting point to strengthen our commitment so that we can drive an agenda that benefits the people,” said the Umno secretary-general in a programme aired on Astro Awani last night.
The inaugural convention, themed ‘Madani: Mewajahi Masa Depan Malaysia’, will be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, and will feature a women and youth convention.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as well as representatives and leaders of political parties in the ruling coalition are expected to address the convention.
Drawing from his experience forming a pact in 2018 with current political foe PAS, Asyraf (above) said matters pertaining to compatibility cannot be done radically or forcefully.
“It has to come naturally and organically. We (Umno) did not start the unity of ummah with PAS from the top but from the grassroots level.
“We held almost 660 talks on ummah unity in all the parliamentary and state seats.
“We only signed (a formal charter with Umno) once we felt there was a little understanding and compatibility,” he added.
Not a marriage of convenience
Meanwhile, he asserted that the formation of the coalition government, which is made up of 19 parties, is not a “marriage of convenience”, nor is it for the sake of fulfilling the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.
“We want to move forward and the focus is on the people and their woes – economy, stability, harmony, dignified salary.
“Whether we like it or not, we need to put a stop to instability, which will only ruin the foundation that we have built together since independence.”
Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who was also a guest on the programme, said it is the opposition’s job to harp on how “problematic” the Anwar-led government is.
He said the opposition bloc should be allowed to perpetuate the perception or they would be out of a job.
“What is important is that the national convention can portray a combination and coalition that is really compact, united, functional, and inclusive.
“The external element (opposition) only aims at one segment – (personal) interests – with their fatwah as well as changing views and reasons.
“We will not enter such an arena; instead, we will be adopting an inclusive and persuasive political approach, as well as mutual respect,” he said.
On the upcoming state elections, Saifuddin is confident the coalition government will retain Selangor, Penang, and Negeri Sembilan.
The PKR secretary-general also expressed confidence in conquering Kedah, saying it’s “within reach”.
“We are confident that we will have admirable results in two of the states on the east coast.
“What analysts are saying now is that the coalition government has the upper hand as we can leverage our position as the federal government and we are confident that this power can be translated at the state level.” - Mkini
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