KUALA LUMPUR – Individual statements made by any key component party leaders in Barisan Nasional (BN) do not reflect the official stance of the coalition, especially ahead of the upcoming six state polls, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The BN chairman said in critical situations, such as in facing the six state elections, individual statements from component party leaders that contradict BN’s principles are not welcome.
Zahid said the coalition has never endorsed any individual statements issued by BN component party leaders, either from MIC, MCA, or Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
“We do not entertain individual opinions because such statements (contrary to BN’s official stance) will only create the perception that we lack unity.
“BN’s cooperation with PH (Pakatan Harapan) is currently at its best, so let’s not entertain individual opinions. My sincere gratitude to MIC, MCA, and PBRS for always supporting BN to face the state elections,” he told a press conference after opening the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates Asia Pacific Chapter Conference here today.
Zahid said this when asked about MCA Youth secretary-general Daniel Wa’s statement yesterday calling for MCA to neither field any candidate nor help BN candidates contesting in the state elections.
It is learned that the statement was issued as a protest against Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Adam’s remark labelling MCA and MIC as “biawak hidup” (dead weight).
The six states facing polls soon are Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Kelantan and Selangor dissolved their assemblies last week, while Kedah is expected to do so on Wednesday. – Bernama, June 26, 2023
