KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) will open its doors to any party that is willing to accept its principles, says chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in what is perhaps his biggest indication of the coalition’s willingness to adopt a “big tent” approach ahead of the general election.
The former deputy prime minister said this approach will be applicable not only to Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), when asked if BN would accept the young party’s request to join the ruling coalition.
“In BN’s constitution, there are three categories of parties and individual members – the core parties, friends of BN and direct membership. This shows our openness to accept anyone who is confident with our principles.”
Zahid, however, did not elaborate on what these principles are.
“I have said the same thing during the BN convention on June 1, and this indicates our readiness to not only accept PBM, but other parties too, regardless of how big or small they are.”
During the convention, Zahid had said BN must be more inclusive and willing to engage in political cooperation with other parties as part of its strategy to embark on a paradigm shift.
Apart from Umno, others that have similarly expressed interest in the formation of political pacts to face the general election include Bersatu and some within Pakatan Harapan.
He was responding to questions by the press on PBM possibly joining BN, after he attended an event at Umno’s headquarters here today.
According to Zahid, BN has yet to formally receive an application from PBM, but said any final decision pertaining to its membership will be deliberated by the coalition’s top leadership.
On Thursday, PBM president Larry Sng had said his party is expected to submit an official application to join BN in the near future, but confirmed that verbal, informal discussions between the two political entities have started.
Negotiations are supposedly being led by the party’s newly announced president-designate Datuk Seri Zuraida Kamaruddin.
Asked if PBM joining BN would mean seat distributions for the coming general election would also involve the fledgling party, Zahid said it is still too early to decide.
Meanwhile, when asked about PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s remark that the Islamist party is not interested in the big tent strategy touted by Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Zahid merely reiterated BN’s stand to accept cooperation with any willing parties.
“I don’t categorise a tent as big, medium or small. What’s important is that BN is prepared to cooperate with anyone, be it through an understanding before or after the general election.” – The Vibes, June 11, 2022
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