ANY proposal to form a political understanding between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Barisan Nasional (BN) under the “Perikatan Barisan Nasional” banner has not been officially discussed between coalition partners, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said the suggestion had so far only emerged through political speeches during campaign events and had not been brought forward through any formal channel.
He said if the proposal was serious, those behind the idea should present it officially for further discussion and clarification.
“Better to have discussions. We should formalise it if that is a serious proposal.
“But if it is only something mentioned during campaigns, then I think the proposal needs to be explained and detailed further,” he told reporters after attending the 61st Coordination Meeting between the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and rural affairs executive councillors (MEXCLUB) today.
The proposal was recently raised by Wawasan Party (WAWASAN) president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who suggested that any cooperation between PN and BN in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election be known as “Perikatan Barisan Nasional”.
Hamzah said the name would help voters better understand the cooperation between the two political blocs while avoiding confusion from referring to PN and BN separately.
However, the suggestion has also received mixed reactions within PN, with Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reportedly describing the proposed name as inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Zahid also responded to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity-themed pantun with a four-line verse of his own, which he said was written shortly after seeing the prime minister’s social media post.
Zahid’s pantun read:
Mendaki ke Gunung Tahan,
Jatuh ke gaung, temui maut.
Bumbung tercabut, mampu ditahan,
Jika ribut diterbang ke laut.
The verse appeared to carry a message about enduring difficulties and keeping a structure intact despite challenges.
In simple terms, Zahid’s metaphor suggests that even when a house is hit by a storm and the roof is damaged, it does not mean the entire structure has to fall.
Problems can still be managed if there is an effort to repair and protect it.
The “bumbung” or roof can be seen as a symbol of stability, while the “ribut” represents challenges or pressures — a message that difficulties can be overcome if there is a willingness to hold things together. – July 23, 2026
