KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — The Unity Government National Convention 2023 here today is a clear indication that the Unity Government formed on the support on 19 political parties after the 15th general election (GE15) is stable, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking for the first time in 25 years at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, the prime minister said this sign of stability was not only for the people but also the world.
“This government is not only stable but will also stay intact until the next general election,” he said in his premier address at the convention, which was attended by more than 3,500 delegates.
Anwar, who is also Unity Government Secretariat chairman, said the success in organising today’s convention also refuted talk that the Unity Government led by him the past six months would not last.
“The Unity Government is strong; let those daydreaming continue doing so. The Unity Government is strong enough to deliver on its promises to the people,” he added.
Anwar said the Unity Government was formed on the decree of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah after no political parties obtained a simple majority in GE15 and was an effort to restore stability in the country.
“It was a collective effort. The issue was not about Anwar but about a leadership with the vision and commitment to protect the people’s well-being.
“Thank you for your support, because I could not have done anything for the country without the spirit of unity so seriously displayed by 148 Members of Parliament,” said Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman.
He praised all political leaders who came together to form the Unity Government, for their willingness to forget past contests and forgive previous statements made against other parties in the heat of phobia.
Anwar said he saluted the Unity Government for coming together to cast aside conflicts and impediments to build a new Malaysia, unlike others who wanted to continue pocketing the country’s riches.
At the convention, Anwar also received the Unity Government Women Resolution plaque and Unity Government Youth Resolution plaque from Wanita Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-chief Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Barisan Nasional Youth chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh respectively.
He also signed the ‘Tekad Buat Malaysia’ (Resolution for Malaysia) which had been read out by Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Seri Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
The resolution contains five pledges of coalition parties in the Unity Government, including to enhance the people’s standard of living by ensuring an increase in income through better work opportunities in all sectors.
It wants to ensure the people get easier access to education and health services.
It also resolves to improve transparency in government administration by ensuring that leakages in government expenditure can be eradicated and the fruits of development can be truly enjoyed by the people.
The resolution also spells out the determination to drive economic growth and regain investor confidence, which will boost the country’s prosperity and competitiveness on the international stage.
The fifth pledge is to preserve harmony among the multi-racial society by taking an inclusive approach to unite various races, religions and regions to maintain national stability and unity.
— Bernama
