Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel this morning, together with party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir.

They were welcomed by DAP leaders, including party secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, and warmly applauded by party members.

Also present were leaders from DAP’s partners in Pakatan Harapan (PH), namely Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari.

In June, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Loke were guests at the Umno general assembly. The Pakatan Harapan chairman attended the event for the first time in 25 years, while Loke was the first DAP leader to be extended an invite by Umno.

In announcing today’s party convention last Monday, DAP national organising secretary Steven Sim said leaders from all parties in the unity government were invited to attend the event.

He added that today’s meeting would focus on the party’s internal issues as well as matters involving the unity government, including its policies.