PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim is set to deliver the keynote address at the one-day convention, themed “Tekad Madani, Harapan Rakyat”, to be held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru.
Senior leaders from PKR, DAP and Amanah are also expected to address delegates as PH seeks to consolidate support amid growing speculation over the timing of the general election (GE16).
DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan said the convention is a crucial opportunity for PH to reflect on nearly four years of the Madani coalition government while charting its direction and vision for Malaysia for the years ahead.
“Regardless of the various configurations and permutations that may be formed after GE16, we want to make sure that PH remains at the core of the federal government. We want to make sure that we are part of Malaysia’s future,” he told FMT.
The Bangi MP said leaders of component parties, including Anwar, are scheduled to deliver speeches at the convention, the first by PH in four years.
PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh described the convention as a gathering aimed at “rekindling hope” among coalition members and supporters.
“We have prioritised the people having overcome the political stalemate in the 2022 general election and worked very hard to safeguard the interest of our nation against all odds.
“Despite economic challenges, global tariff pressures and geopolitical tensions such as the Iran war, the Madani government has remained focused on stability and protecting the rakyat’s interests,” she said.
Fuziah also took aim at the opposition, accusing the bloc of merely politicking without offering concrete solutions to issues.
“PH, on the other hand, remains committed to governing responsibly and preparing the nation for the future,” she said.
On the PH and Umno-BN alliance
Political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said one of the key issues at the convention is whether PH will partner with Umno and Barisan Nasional for GE16.
He said this was a burning question for both PH as well as Umno supporters, who want to know the form of electoral pact that the two coalitions would reach. “That’s the most important thing that needs to be discussed during the convention,” Azmi said.
PH last held a convention in 2022 before the coalition returned to power following the 2022 general election, which ended in a hung Parliament.
Anwar went on to form the unity government with the backing of BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and several others.
Although GE16 is only due by February 2028 at the latest, speculation persists that Anwar could call for a snap election, potentially aligning it with the Melaka and Johor state polls.