THE unity government secretariat has agreed to form three committees, including one that will focus on the upcoming state polls, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.  

“This committee will discuss issues on the state polls, particularly seat allocations, and will focus on efforts to ensure we have a firm ground in facing the upcoming state polls,” he said. 

He affirmed that all members of the unity government showed their agreement to work together for the upcoming state elections. 

“This is very positive for me because of the consensus and commitments of all parties, as well as our friends from Sabah and Sarawak, to ensure we work as a team,” Anwar said at a press conference today. 

According to him, the three committees would deal with strategic communications, seat negotiations, political developments, and government agenda.

“This is also to ensure that all the policies are agreed upon together and collectively,” he said.

Anwar added that the strategic communications committee needed to address any slander directed at the unity government.  

He cited the recent Quran burning incident in Sweden as an example, asserting that some religious leaders had said the government was silent on the matter.  

“That time, we issued a strong statement condemning the act.  

“The Foreign Ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador and later we agreed to distribute one million copies of the Quran worldwide.  

“This is why this committee is needed,” the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman said.  

Anwar said the committee to monitor political developments and government agenda would look into the election manifestos of all parties under the unity government. 

“They will also look into policies that are of priority, such as the cost of living and ensuring cooperation between all races in all states.  

“This is also to ensure that no one is left out,” he added.  

Anwar said Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki would head the secretariat while Fadillah Yusof would be secretary-general.  

The prime minister said he would chair the monthly secretariat meeting.  

He said the heads of parties under the unity government would be the deputy presidents in the secretariats. 

“In terms of support, the unity government is the only coalition that represents all races in the country and this is an advantage to us,” he added. 

Anwar’s unity government comprises Pakatan Harapan’s 82 MPs, Barisan Nasional (30), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (23), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (6), Warisan (3), two independents, and one each from Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat, Muda, and Parti Bangsa Malaysia.  

Anwar, who entered Umno headquarters for the first time after 25 years today, thanked Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for hosting the secretariat meeting.  

Also present at the meeting were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, MCA president Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Vigneswaran Sanasee, and Parti Bersatu Sabah president Maximus Ongkili. – February 7, 2023.