KUALA LUMPUR: Moderation is the foundation of pragmatic struggles for Malaysia as a diverse nation, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“Umno president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has delivered clear messages of moderation for Barisan Nasional and Umno.
“This is the basis of a pragmatic struggle for Malaysia. Now, we have to focus on how we can strengthen our bonds (among the component parties) to get more support from the rakyat.
“I think it would be a great challenge for us and we need to echo this call so that we can be stronger,” he told reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Friday (June 9).
The Ayer Hitam MP also said it has been a tradition for Umno to invite its partners in the government to its general assembly.
“I don’t feel anything (about the presence of DAP). We are still with Barisan, it’s my 10th year attending the general assembly and we uphold this tradition.
“In light of the current political situation, I think the organiser has made a little bit of changes and for me I feel like normal, where we’re all here to listen to the speech of our friend Ahmad Zahid,” Dr Wee added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, attended the Umno general assembly.
He was accompanied by leaders of various parties in the unity government, including Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub as well as Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Also making a comeback to the Umno headquarters was Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who quit the party following his suspension in 2016.
– The Star