Malaysia could become like Thailand if PH-BN doesn't cooperate - Anwar.

MARANG - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, likened Malaysia to the situation in Thailand, where the formation of a government failed, if Pakatan Harapan (PH) doesn't cooperate with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) after the 15th General Election.

He explained that the agreement formed with BN was made after considering several aspects, especially involving the decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA), Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

"If people asked why Anwar wants to collaborate with Umno and Barisan Nasional, his answer would be, if we don't collaborate, we might end up like Thailand.

"For months, there is no majority in the election, no government, no prime minister. So, Tuanku Agong (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) consulted with the rulers and agreed not to have the situation of no majority.

"We need to collaborate to form a Unity Government but Ustaz Hadi (Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang), Muhyiddin (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) rejected it and even I didn't easily accept it.

"But, we think about the citizens, the nation's interests, and the king's decree. We discuss on the principles that underlie Umno's focus on the Malays and Islam. Thus, we unite and collaborate together," he stated during his speech at the Terengganu Madani Unity Tour mega talks held in Wakaf Tapai, here, Wednesday night.

Anwar conveyed that a consensus between the two parties was achieved by setting aside lingering dissatisfaction and prioritizing the interests of the people despite Umno being a long-standing adversary.

"Why hold onto old grudges? What's important is that we are together. Whatever we do holds responsibility; let us execute it well and perfectly. We can spend, but importantly, we won't allow leaders to embezzle public funds."

"And we start with the people below, while those above we support through investments," he said.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister spent time in Terengganu, participating in various programs, including inaugurating the Terengganu region Sahabat Usahawan Madani Amanah Iktiar Malaysia (AIM) carnival and meeting with entrepreneurs of the Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (Tekun) Nasional.

He then joined the series of Jelajah Perpaduan Madani talks in locations including Batu Hampar, Manir; Telemong, Hulu Terengganu; Wakaf Tapai, Marang; and Hiliran, Kuala Terengganu.