[UPDATED] BN mulling bids from several parties to join coalition

KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) is currently considering the applications of several parties that have expressed interest in joining the coalition ahead of the upcoming general-election, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Following BN’s supreme council meeting this evening, Zambry said the issue of new member parties was among the agendas tabled during discussions between the coalition’s top leadership.

However, Zambry did not mention any particular party that had applied to be part of BN.

Despite being pressed for answers into speculation that one of the parties included newly formed Parti Bangsa Malaysia, Zambry declined to comment.

Instead he insisted that there were multiple outfits that have stated their intentions to join BN.

“I am not at liberty to say who these parties are, but it is surely more than one outfit,” he told reporters after the meeting at Umno’s headquarters in Menara Dato’ Onn, here, this evening.

“All the said applications are being reviewed by BN’s secretariat.”

The meeting this evening, which kicked off at 8.45pm, came amid the coalition’s preparations to face the looming general election.

The BN leaders present included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong and MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran.

Other leaders present were Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Wanita Umno head Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, among others.

On another matter, Zambry announced the reappointment of Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as BN’s treasurer for the next two years.

He said this was in line with clause 8.3.E of BN’s constitution.

Furthermore, Zambry said the supreme council members at the meeting had agreed to the creation of BN’s Puteri (Women’s Youth) wing.

He said the new wing will be led by Puteri Umno head Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan.

“The supreme council also agreed to create Puteri Barisan Nasional to coordinate the young women’s movements in all component parties.”

Earlier this month, Zambry had told The Star that the council meeting would be part of a general assessment of BN’s preparations for GE15, apart from a way to gain feedback from component leaders.

The meeting also came amid Umno deputy president Mohamad’s nationwide tour with BN leaders to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the coalition, which is looking to solidify its control over Putrajaya.

Sources told The Star that the polls were expected to be held after Budget 2023, which will be tabled sometime in October. – The Vibes, August 15, 2022