KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is solidly behind Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's unity government, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
As such, he called on all Umno members and leaders, be they winners or losers in the recent party polls, to close ranks and forget about the past.
"Let's open a new chapter together, not only at the national level but also at the state and division level," he told reporters after an Umno supreme council meeting here today.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said a national convention involving parties in the unity government will be held on May 14.
He said the convention will be held at Dewan Merdeka at the World Trade Centre (WTC) with the participation of 20 parties in the unity government.
"The convention is for us to show the solidarity of parties within the unity government," he said.
On Sunday, Anwar after chairing the unity government secretariat meeting had said a convention involving parties in the unity government will be held to determine the common direction and course of action in the administration of the country.
The prime minister had said the convention, among others, also aimed at framing the thinking and policy among the parties that make up the unity government.
Zahid's announcement today also all but ensures that Barisan Nasional, which Umno leads, and Pakatan Harapan will work together during this year's elections in six Peninsular Malaysia states.
The states — PH-controlled Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan and Pas-led Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah — are expected to hold polls simultaneously some time in the middle of the year.
PH and Perikatan Nasional, of which Pas is a member, had decided not to dissolve the state assemblies to hold elections during the 15th General Election last year.