KUALA LUMPUR Feb 9 — Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi said he was unaware of "founding members” in the national unity government, after his party was excluded from the inaugural secretariat meeting ostensibly because it was not one.

He noted that Muda had joined an electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan prior to the 15th general election last year, and said the coalition had also represented his party during negotiations to form the national unity government.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim downplayed Amir’s complaint about Muda not being invited to the maiden meeting on Tuesday by saying only "founding members” had been invited, but vowed that Muda and other supporting parties would be included in future meetings.

"To us, all parties have responsibilities even if they do not hold any positions in the administration,” Amir subsequently said in a statement today.

"It is not wrong to inform everyone. At least notify of any meetings or events that will take place and possibly an explanation of the outcome. Muda also has members who want an explanation for any decisions and actions (by the unity government).

Amir, a youth activist, further said he wished to see open communications between the secretariat and all allied parties, saying Muda has reached out in various ways to seek a formal meeting of the parties since last year.

"There has been no official communication since we attended the unity government agreement signing,” he said, adding that all parties, whether big or small, are equally part of the government today.

Yesterday, Amir told Malay Mail that Muda was not upset and still supported the current administration despite being left out of the newly formed Unity Government Secretariat meeting.