SHAH ALAM: Bersatu went all out with a grand dinner to mark its ninth anniversary, with over 2,000 party delegates and Perikatan component parties' representatives.
The dinner took place at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) following the AGM. Bersatu leaders were seen dressed in their finest batiks.
In his speech, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that while founding a Malay-based party was his idea, he initially doubted whether it would be accepted by the Malays.
The party was first registered on Aug 10, 2016 with Muhyiddin as the president, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as vice-president and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its chairman.
"I thank the founders of the party who have struggled to spread the philosophy and struggle of the party in its early days. I am proud to say that this party has expanded from the Peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak. We are now truly a pan-Malaysian party, representing all races.
"Now we have more than 600,000 members with 202 divisions nationwide. I couldn't be prouder.
"We have also formed a coalition, Perikatan Nasional (with PAS and Gerakan Nasional), which will ensure our sustainability. We also have excellent records, as evidenced by our holding of the premiership back in 2021, when I became the eighth Prime Minister,” he said.
Muhyiddin also mentioned how Bersatu had expanded its cooperation with new partners outside of the government with the formation of a United Opposition Front comprising 12 political parties.
"Now, we have more parties wanting to meet with us. This is an important perspective, as it is the first time parties with differing views are coming together to save the country.
"I am sure if the cooperation continues, during general elections, we can form an electoral pact with these parties to cut down the contests between us," said Muhyiddin.
Bersatu secretary-general and Selangor Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Azmin Ali stated that the dinner was a celebration of Bersatu's coming together.
"We also want to record our appreciation to all Bersatu delegates for making the AGM a success. Bersatu today (Sept 7) has proven that we have come together as a big family as we celebrate our 9 years in being," said Azmin.
Awards of appreciation were also presented to the party's founders.
Also present at the dinner was former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun and former Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
