Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today credited Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the party's MPs for helping to shape the country's history after the last 15th general election.

Anwar, who returned to Dewan Merdeka 25 years after being dismissed from Umno as its then deputy president, noted the many "attacks" against Zahid since being appointed as one of two deputy prime ministers.

"Zahid faced harsh attacks, including those launched at me.

"But I would like to say, if it was not for Zahid's commitment as Umno president and support of Umno MPs, our history today will be different," Anwar said in his speech at the National Unity Convention 2023, held in the heart of Umno's headquarters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

"So we must credit his role and that of Umno," said Anwar at the gathering of thousands from all four coalitions and 19 parties that form the Madani government.

Anwar had been criticised for appointing Zahid as a deputy premier due to the latter still facing corruption charges in court.

Meanwhile, Anwar also acknowledged the role of all 148 MPs that formed the Madani government, particularly their willingness to set aside past rivalries.

"Without all of your commitments, your willingness to set aside and forgive all past statements made at a time when the political temperature was heated, this would never come together.

"Without such a (forgiving) spirit, the unity government will not come to be.

"That is why I salute all of you," he said.

Mother’s Day message

Towards the end of his speech, Anwar said his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail - who was seated in front of him - had reminded him that today was Mother's Day and he needed to extend a greeting.

Anwar quipped it was a sign that behind every powerful man is an equally powerful woman who can control him.

"But control in a good way for doing good, not to buy diamonds," he said in a not-so-subtle reference to the pink diamond scandal linked to Rosmah Mansor, wife of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The day's convention ended with Anwar receiving a list of commitments made by all women’s wings, youth wings and central delegates of all parties in government, towards working together under his Madani administration.

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