CYBERJAYA: Unity government conventions should be held at the state level, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The proposal by Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, comes in light of the goodwill fostered among various political parties during the inaugural Unity Government National Convention on Sunday.
“My view is that there should be follow-up action.
“It is proposed that state-level conventions are held so that the grassroots can also participate, not only to listen but to give their diverse views.
“And we should open it up to the public to participate,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, spoke to reporters after attending the National Professors Council’s Hari Raya celebration here yesterday.
He said the compatibility shown by the various political parties during the convention was a crucial element needed for the upcoming state elections.
“Not only the leaders shared the same stage, but representatives from various parties in the hall also listened and interacted with each other.
“What we will be facing later is the state polls, so it is important for us to continue promoting this compatibility,” he said.
The convention was attended by more than thousands of invitees from the 19 parties under the unity government.
On the issue of pluralism, Ahmad Zahid said this was a reality in Malaysia.
“The diversity of religion and culture should be respected in order 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,” he said.
He said this plurality must be recognised and could not be avoided.
“We want our country to be a progressive country, with political stability while at the same time enjoying economic growth for the well-being of the people.
“That should be the goal,” he said.
On former Umno leader Tan Sri Annuar Musa’s view that the party is likely to suffer due to the presence of “socialist” and “liberal” factions at the convention, Ahmad Zahid brushed it aside as Annuar’s personal opinion.
Annuar, in a Facebook post on Sunday, said the presence of various parties such as DAP at the convention would push millions to leave Umno and reject the party in the next election.
