Maiden unity govt convention set to mark an important political milestone

Hope on the horizon: (From left) Fadillah, Zambry and Lee are optimistic that the convention will bear fruit.

PETALING JAYA: The maiden unity government convention, which will be held tomorrow, will foster stronger ties between component coalitions and parties, say political leaders.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof described the first convention as an “important political milestone”.

“We have been working quite well at the top level, and now we want to bring it to the grassroots level, which comprises different parties with different philosophies and agendas.

“Everyone should be on the same page. We want to listen to the views of the grassroots about their expectations and issues that we should focus on involving the rakyat, the economy, and good governance,” said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak parliamentary chief whip.

Fadillah also hopes for a better working relationship among all parties under the unity government after the convention.

“More importantly, (we need better cooperation) at the grassroots level so that we can respect each other and focus solely on developing Malaysia in all aspects.

“With political stability, we can zero in on uplifting the country’s economy,” said Fadillah, who is also the unity government secretariat secretary-general.

Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said they hoped the historic convention would get leaders of all parties and members to work together “cohesively and resolutely”.

“This will definitely foster stronger ties in the unity government. The outcome of this convention will help party members build better communications and coordination at the grassroots level,” the Foreign Minister said when contacted.

Agreeing with Zambry, PKR communications director Lee Chean Chung said the convention is the beginning of forging stronger collaboration at the grassroots level.

“I expect more synergy and to leverage the strengths of each other,” he said.

The Petaling Jaya MP said the convention would also send a message that stability is of utmost importance for the country.

“We should be in the league of positive competition and constructive engagement instead of demonisation and personal attacks.

“We have to accept the fact that the post-GE15 coalition has become the new normal in our political landscape,” he added.

The convention, to be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, is themed Madani Shaping the Future of Malaysia.

Various issues such as the economy, nation-building, and policies under the Madani concept and how they will be implemented are expected to be raised in the convention.

According to Bernama, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all 148 MPs backing the current government would be attending.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the chairman of the unity government secretariat, is expected to deliver a keynote address.