Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday expressed his appreciation to his deputy, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for his role in ensuring the formation of the coalition government after the 15th general election.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman said that he and Zahid, who is also Umno president, were often attacked during the negotiation process after no party had won a simple majority to form the government.
"But I want to tell you that without the commitment of Zahid as Umno president and without the support of Umno MPs, our history would have ended. So we should also recognise the role of him and Umno.
"Also to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and during that critical situation, support from Sarawak Premier Abang Jo (Abang Johari Abang Openg) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak were crucial factors," he said at the Unity Government National Convention 2023 in Kuala Lumpur.
The coalition government currently has the support of 148 MPs, including 30 Barisan Nasional MPs.
The convention was attended by over 3,500 delegates from the 19 parties that form the government.