GEORGE TOWN – All Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties must strengthen themselves in order to gain the support of their own members and non-member voters, said BN chair Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He also reminded the component parties, namely MCA, MIC, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, to continue empowering their respective parties as the foundation of BN.
“What is important is cooperation with all the parties in the BN outfit, that is the first principle, but with the new political reality in the unity government, we have to respect the existence of the parties in this collaboration.
“There are 19 parties in it. I don’t want any party to feel discouraged when we work under this smart partnership – instead they must strengthen themselves to gain support from members and voters who are non-members,” he told a press conference after officiating SEMICON Southeast Asia 2023 here today.
The deputy prime minister said this when asked about a statement by MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon reminding Zahid to prioritise the interests of BN components first instead of Pakatan Harapan, especially DAP.
Zahid said that focus should now be given to efforts to strengthen all BN component parties to create a positive impression of the coalition. – Bernama, May 23, 2023
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