Analysis: Anwar & Zahid’s ‘love song’ at convention to be tested by grassroots, seat negotiations

It was a historic day in Malaysian politics as leaders from four coalitions and 19 political parties came together to present a united front for the Malaysian people.

Held at the Umno headquarters, it may have been a bizarre scene for some, as DAP leaders spoke on the stage that would have been used to attack them several years ago.

However, as chants of "reformasi" reverberated throughout the Umno hall, perhaps, it may not be too bizarre to feel slightly optimistic. A call synonymous with Anwar Ibrahim’s struggle after he was sacked by the party decades ago.

The message at the Unity Government National Convention that day was clear: To forgive and forget and put an end to decades of political rivalries.

We spoke to prominent political analyst and geostrategy expert Dr Azmi Hassan and Universiti Utara Malaysia political analyst, Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani to make sense of the convention, and the immediate future of this unity government.