The cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan may last beyond the next general election, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The BN chairperson pointed out that this could be made a reality if his coalition continued to support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“I’m confident if we continue to back Anwar - with the idealisms that have been formed in good policies - this Madani unity government will transcend beyond GE16.

“Don’t look back. There are people who don’t like us, criticise and question us. But the rakyat wants this unity government to keep moving forward,” he said during the Unity Government Convention at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid also reminded the audience, which consisted of delegates from 19 political parties in the coalition government, not to look back on the former rivalry between parties.

“We used to be foes but now we are friends. What is the point of fighting anymore, let us strengthen the unity government,” he said.

Zahid talked about a time when many were “phobic” against the colours “blue” - BN’s official colour - and “red” which is Pakatan Harapan’s official shade.

Referring to the attendees’ white uniform for today’s convention, he said that both coalitions no longer differed from each other.

“This shows that we are sketching a new political future, upholding the plurality of party diversity.

“And the one who will translate it is Anwar as our prime minister,” he added.

‘New beginning’

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke later told reporters that he agreed with Zahid’s sentiment that the BN-Harapan cooperation can be extended for the long term.

“If this cooperation can be strengthened and if all the parties that formed the government can provide full commitment, then surely this government can last beyond GE16,” he said.

DAP sec-gen Anthony Loke

He expressed hope to continue this model which he said was a “new beginning” for Malaysia’s future.

The convention consisted of 19 political parties, including smaller ones such as Muda, Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM).

Muda happy to be invited

Speaking to reporters after, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the event signified a strong and stable government.

Asked about if Muda would provide its election machinery to the government in the upcoming state elections, Syed Saddiq said a meeting would be held soon to discuss it.

Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (centre) along with other leaders from the coalition government during the National Unity Government Convention in Kuala Lumpur today

The Muar MP however kept mum on the party’s application to join the Harapan coalition.

“It’s best to ask that question to the Harapan leadership. As we are all aware, we (Muda) have already forwarded our letters three times. I think the response is best left to them.

“But let's not cloud what has happened today. It’s a good sign that we are invited to take part,” he added.

Muda had previously lamented a lack of invitations to coalition government meetings despite showing support for the government.

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