NILAI – Barisan Nasional is open to accepting any party that wants to join the coalition, said deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
However, he said, a consensus much be reached among the four components – Umno, MIC, MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah – before approval is given.
“We (BN) must be inclusive, and no longer exclusive. If you ask for my personal opinion, the more parties under the BN umbrella, the better, because each has their own strengths, and combined, it will provide added synergy.
“This is what we have to do for BN to build new strength, because BN lost the 14th general election.
“Whatever BN stands for, and its policies, there needs to be a review, so that its two directions, which are strengthening the coalition and strategies for winning GE15, can be realised,” he told reporters after opening Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia’s 12th annual general meeting here today.
Present was party president Datuk Seri R.S. Thanenthiran.
On Thanenthiran’s request for his party to contest on a BN ticket in three parliamentary and seven state seats come GE15, Mohamad said it should be considered, as Makkal Sakti has been a loyal friend to the coalition through good and bad times.
“Makkal Sakti is a BN partner and not a component, but consideration should be given because it has long helped BN, whether when (BN) was the government or not.
“I am confident consideration can be given by BN’s top leadership council on this request by Makkal Sakti.
“There are other partners who have stated the same. I am of the view that the more parties being with BN, the more inclusive it will be, but I leave it to the wisdom of BN’s top leadership... consideration should be given.”
In his speech earlier, Thanenthiran asked the coalition to give Makkal Sakti a chance to contest seats in GE15.
“This is our hope, and we are ready. If not GE15, then when?”
The AGM, attended by 753 delegates, saw three resolutions adopted: Makkal Sakti becoming a BN component, that it contest under the BN umbrella in GE15, and on the well-being of the Indian community in Sabah. – Bernama, December 27, 2020
