KUALA LUMPUR – Starting Monday, it cannot be business as usual but the unity government must work harder to ensure the country’s success, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after the state election results.
During his speech at the World Trade Centre here, Anwar added that the election results for the six states do not affect the position and strength of the federal unity government.
“The federal government is to remain and is strong after the state elections.
“I respect the people’s mandate. Starting Monday, we will continue to work, not as usual, but harder and more diligently so that Malaysia can achieve success.”
Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional held on to three states – Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan – while Perikatan Nasional also retained Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
“What is important is that we ensure that the people remain united, ensure peace in the country as we lift the nation’s dignity and fight for the country’s fate,” he added.
Earlier, Anwar thanked all who had been involved in ensuring the election process went smoothly, including parties from Sabah and Sarawak that have shown support even though they were not involved in the election.
Meanwhile, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in a statement said the coalition and its allies in the unity government respect the election results.
He added that the people’s mandate will be the foundation of the collaboration in the unity government to continue working together for the five years to come.
“BN congratulates candidates who have won. Accept this responsibility to continue serving the rakyat. For those who did not succeed, don’t stop, but continue fighting for the rakyat’s aspirations.” – August 13, 2023