By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, July 8 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made history last night as both men, once adversaries but now allies, shared the same electoral stage to rally their respective coalition members for the upcoming six state elections.
The message conveyed by both leaders, respectively the chairmen of Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) and Barisan Nasional (BN), was clear – set aside their past differences, which were once marked by fierce fighting and politicking.
Instead, the pair urged coalition members to work together in defending Selangor, Pulau Pinang, and Negeri Sembilan, while fiercely competing in Kelantan, Kedah, and Terengganu.
In his speech at the Selangor leg of the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani in Bandar Baru Bangi last night, Anwar noted that both Harapan and BN now form part of the Unity Government he described as being the strongest political formation to lead the country.
This is opposed to its political rival Perikatan Nasional (PN), which he pointed out often resorts to racial and religious rhetoric to exploit the sentiments of the Malay community.
"I have given assurances to all Harapan parties that we will work together diligently, and we must also support Umno candidates to secure victory.
"Therefore, I urge Harapan supporters not to hesitate in holding up BN flags, and likewise, I urge BN supporters not to hesitate in holding up Harapan flags.
"We will demonstrate that this Unity government is a strong and capable administration because we have a responsibility to safeguard the country and the states from racial and religious extremism.
"I assure you that this government will uphold the federal constitution, preserve the special position of the Malays, and maintain Islam as the religion of the federation," he said to resounding applause from the crowd comprising both BN and Harapan supporters present at last night’s event.
[caption id="attachment_317967" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivering his speech during the Jelajah Perpaduan Madani election programme in Bandar Baru Bangi on July 7, 2023. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
Zahid, in his address, emphasised the importance for party supporters to set aside their differences and work together to ensure victory in the coming polls.
"The combination between Harapan and BN, previously adversaries, must now set aside our differences. We need to open a new chapter," he said, referring to a new role for BN in the Unity Government.
Zahid said in jest that Anwar shares the same ‘DNA’ as him, alluding to the prime minister’s previous membership with Umno prior to his dismissal from the party in 1998.
The Umno president then went on to highlight the achievements of the Unity Government to date, including the successful efforts overseas and recent court victories against the self-proclaimed heirs of the Sulu sultanate.
“We have seen the government’s performance and Anwar’s achievements overseas. (We) even halted the claims made by the supposed Sulu claimants through recent court decisions,’’ he said.
Zahid expressed confidence that BN and Harapan would provide a tough fight against PN in the coming state elections and urged voters not to be swayed by misinformation spread by political opponents.
He further assured that Umno and BN's electoral machinery would support the campaign in Selangor and ensure that the state remains under the leadership of Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
Zahid also pledged that should they win in the upcoming polls, Umno and BN would be part of the state administration.
