Azmin said he chaired a meeting today with the secretary-generals and representatives of parties in the Ikatan Prihatin Rakyat (IPR) alliance to prepare for the convention.

PAS, which is part of IPR, appeared to have skipped the meeting although a nameplate was prepared for the party’s secretary-general, Takiyuddin Hassan.

Azmin said the convention would serve as a platform to discuss issues close to the people’s heart, from the economy to politics, security and interracial relations.

“We also had an Orang Asli representative who raised questions on the future of the community, whose rights are enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“This convention will come up with a people’s declaration as a pledge for IPR to fight for the people and ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of Malaysia.

“Let us all make the IPR convention a success and contribute to the nation and the people’s development. Change will happen,” the former minister said in a Facebook post.

Previously, Muhyiddin suggested that the IPR alliance be incorporated directly into Perikatan Nasional or for an electoral pact to be reached between both entities for the next general election.

Launched on Oct 14 last year, IPR brings together leaders from Bersatu, PAS, Gerakan, Pejuang, Putra, Berjasa, Muda, the Malaysian Advancement Party, the National Indian Muslim Alliance Party, the Malaysian Indian People’s Party, and Urimai.

Analysts had said Muhyiddin, the Bersatu president, would shift his focus to IPR since he had stepped down as PN chairman.