Zahid proposes state-level 'unity govt' convention be held

 

On seeing the fostering of goodwill among parties at the 2023 Unity Government National Convention, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today suggested that a federal government convention be held at the state level as well.

“I see there should be follow-up action. A state-level convention is proposed to be held so that the grassroots can also participate not only to listen but to give diverse views, and we should open it up to the public to participate,” said the Umno president.

Zahid said the compatibility seen among the parties at the national level convention yesterday, which was attended by more than 3,500 invitees from the 19 parties that form the federal government, was one of the important elements to face the state elections.

“Not only the leaders shared the same stage, but representatives from various parties in the hall also listened and interact with each other. What we will face later is the state polls, so this compatibility is important for us to continue promoting,” he said.

Speaking to the media after attending the National Professors Council’s Hari Raya Celebration in Cyberjaya today, Zahid said the issue of pluralism is a reality in Malaysia, therefore the diversity of religion and culture should be respected to celebrate the differences between each other.

“We have to look at the reality of politics in terms of dynamics, we don’t want to focus on a party or figure but we see the fact that this plurality must be recognised as something that cannot be avoided.

“And we want our country to be a progressive country, with political stability and at the same time enjoy economic growth for the well-being of the people and that should be the goal,” he said.

Commenting on the views of former Umno leader Annuar Musa who expects Umno to suffer dire consequences after this due to the presence of “socialist” and “liberal” factions at the convention, Zahid said: “I will never respect his personal opinion.”

Annuar through a post on Facebook yesterday said the presence of various parties including socialists, liberals, and the DAP at the convention will push millions of people including Umno members to leave Umno and reject the party in the next election.

- Bernama