KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been told to continue moving forward as he has the solid backing of the rakyat and 19 parties under the unity government, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"Umno and Barisan Nasional are pleading with the Prime Minister not to look back.
"The people of the country want the Prime Minister together with the 19 parties to continue to lead Malaysia as a nation that is at the forefront," said the Deputy Prime Minister in his speech at the unity government national convention at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here on Sunday (May 14).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan chairman, said there have been positive responses from the public, especially during the open houses held in Kedah, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu.
"I am confident that if we walk together with Anwar, I am optimistic that the idealism can be translated in a good manner under the unity government and the concept of Malaysia Madani, and God willing until it reaches the 16th General Election," he said.
"Yes, there are some who are unhappy with us. And of course there are others who have criticised us, but let us not bother about the matter.
"The people want the unity government to move together for the benefit of the people," he said.
The Barisan chairman said that although it only has 30 parliamentary seats, it still plays an important role in the unity government.
"Although we have 30 seats, we complement the government.
"If Pakatan Harapan has 82 seats, without the remaining 30 seats, there will be no unity government," he said.
He also reiterated Barisan's support towards Anwar's leadership under the unity government.