KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof hopes the youth of today will take charge of Malaysia’s future by putting aside their differences and learning to be understanding and tolerant of one another.

He said he was proud that the youth parties of Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Amanah and PKR were willing to work together so they can strengthen Malaysia’s unity.

“We want to ensure that our (nation’s) unity will be strengthened among the different races and religions and not just among political parties. Unity and understanding will make us strong and if we can show others that we can work together, they will follow suit.

“Hence I want to congratulate the youth members in this unity government for what they’re doing today and I want them and all of us to work on finding a common ground and not focus on our differences.

“By doing so I am certain it will bring the people together and that is what we want,” he said today during the inaugural National Unity Government Convention at the World Trade Centre here.

“The end goal is we want to move the country forward and improve our economy, this should be the youth’s focus and by doing so we can help develop the country together and celebrate our unity government and the Madani concept,” he added.

Fadhillah, the first deputy prime minister from Sarawak in the Cabinet line-up, was in attendance during the joint youth seminar.

The event was held together with the women’s convention and was attended by MPs like MCAs Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting, MIC youth chief Raven Kuamr Krishnasamy, Amanah’s women’s chief Nurthaqaffah Nordin and United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) youth chief Felix Joseph Saang and Keadilan youth chief senator Mohd Hasbi Muda among others.

The convention themed “Madani: Mewajahi Masa Depan Malaysia (Madani: Envisaging Malaysia’s Future)” is part of the government’s drive to foster unity among former rival parties in lieu of the upcoming state elections in six states.

PH’s Kelvin Yii and BN’s Dr Akmal Saleh were among the attendees.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to make his speech later in the afternoon.