Zahid's speech shows Umno, PH cooperation 'mutual', says Shahril
SHAH ALAM - Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's speech at the Unity Government National Convention highlighted the cooperation between Umno and Pakatan Harapan (PH) is based on mutual agreement and not a "forced marriage".
Former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said based on Zahid's speech on Sunday, Umno's stance towards PH has changed and they now support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the country's leader in the upcoming 16th general election (GE16).
"This is no longer an order from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it is no longer a forced action that brings harm but rather Umno's desire to form a 'second feudal' alliance with PH.
"I don't know whether Umno individuals realise it but when I saw Zahid's speech he said Anwar was oppressed and in GE16 we (Umno) will walk with Anwar and support him as prime minister, I think that was truly noteworthy," he said during the Keluar Sekejap Podcast programme on Monday.
Also present at the programme was former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
The Unity Government National Convention was held for the first time on Sunday, bringing together the five coalitions of 19 political parties that supported the unity government.
Zahid in his speech at the World Trade Centre (WTC) said Anwar has been shamed and oppressed 25 years ago before becoming the 10th prime minister.
However, when commenting on Anwar's reaction with Zahid's speech, Shahril said the Tambun MP did not 'celebrate' the statement.
"He has praised Zahid, he did say without Umno, Malaysia would not be as it was today," he said.
