KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Since joining DAP, the party’s secretary-general Anthony Loke admitted that it had never crossed his mind that he would speak in front of the audience in the Umno headquarters in Dewan Merdeka here.

Addressing more than 5,000 delegates, Loke said he had to prepare notes as he stammered while reading his keynote speech and teased Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim’s "return” to the Malay-nationalist party’s headquarters at World Trade Centre.

"I never dreamed that I would speak here, never even thought of including Gobind Singh Deo.

"I’m a little nervous because I’ve never spoken on this stage, this is a new experience for me, maybe because Anwar has a lot of experience. Coming back to his old territory for so long,” he jokingly said and sent the hall to laughter.

He then further said that the alliance is what is needed to helm the federal government which is an administration that represents not just the majority, but the minority ethnic groups as well.

Loke added that he is confident that the country will prosper if the alliance continues its cooperation in the future.

"Today’s gathering has a big meaning, not only to commemorate the establishment of the country, but even more, this symbolizes the future of Malaysia, a brighter future for Malaysia,” he added.

Loke was part of the five keynote speaker including Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Gabungan Parti Sarawak president Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.