KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is confident that the cooperation agreement among political parties to establish the Unity Government will be long-lasting.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president and chairman of Barisan Nasional (BN), said his party agreed to the cooperation as long as it had elements of defending Islam, Malay special rights, status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and the sovereignty of the Royal Institution.
He said the the elements were the prime concern of BN when negotiations were held with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
"When the agreement was signed by the various (political) parties, the matter was never compromised, and was even deemed as the first foundation of the agreement not only for now, but for the long term," he said on the special interview programme 'Jawab, Saya Tanya!' entitled 'Political Reconciliation: What's in it for the Country? which was broadcast live on the Facebook and YouTube pages of NRChannel TV, last night.
On Dec 16, the five major political parties, namely PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Parti Warisan (Warisan) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Putrajaya to form a Unity Government.
The MoU was signed by the respective secretaries-general, namely Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail of PH, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir (BN), Datuk Masidi Manjun of (GRS), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (GPS) and Datuk Loretto Padua Jr (Warisan), and witnessed by chairmen of the political parties involved.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said following the 15th general election (GE15) results, UMNO and BN were better off with PH for their long-term struggle.
"In short, the (UMNO) Supreme Council decided that with PN (Perikatan Nasional), there would be more harm as they could contest in the same areas we (UMNO) contest....areas with large numbers of Malay voters.
"We will surely fight in the same arena. We see from the aspect of political analysis and we conducted several projections that there was a huge potential for us to win back the areas in which we lost votes, we can regain the potential," he added.
On being together with PH, he said coalitions in the Unity Government need to move forward and work as a team as long as they were united in thoughts, values and deeds.
Ahmad Zahid also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to seek similarities in the manifestos of all parties in the Unity Government so that their cooperation would benefit the people.
According to him, UMNO and BN's aim is to create political stability and ensure the people's prosperity within the new national political alignment.
Ahmad Zahid added that he would explain in further detail to UMNO members about the new political landscape in the country through a policy speech during the UMNO general assembly scheduled to take place from Jan 11 to 14.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Dec 27 2022
On Dec 16, the five major political parties, namely PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Warisan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Putrajaya to form a Unity Government. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.