BN open to accepting other parties, says deputy chairman

Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan says the coalition is open to any party that wishes to join although a consensus must be reached among its four component parties – Umno, MIC, MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) – before approval is given.

“We (BN) must be inclusive and not exclusive anymore. So if you ask for my personal opinion, the more parties under the BN umbrella the better because each has its own strengths and, combined, it will provide added synergy.

“This is what we have to do for BN to build new strength because BN lost in the 14th general election (GE14). Whatever BN stands for and its policies, there needs to be a review so that its two directions which are strengthening the coalition and strategies for winning GE15 can be realised,” he said.

He told this to reporters after opening Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia’s (Makkal Sakti) 12th annual general meeting, which was also attended by its president RS Thanenthiran.

Commenting on Thanenthiran’s request today for the party to contest on BN tickets in three parliamentary and seven state seats in GE15, Mohamad, who is also Umno deputy president, said it should be considered as Makkal Sakti had been a loyal friend to BN during good and tough times, even though its status was not that of a component.

“Makkal Sakti is a BN partner, not a component, but consideration should be given because Makkal Sakti has long helped BN whether when it was the government or not.

“I am confident consideration can be given by BN’s highest leadership council on this request by Makkal Sakti.

“There are other partners who have stated the same. I am of the view that the more parties are with BN, the more inclusive it will be but I leave it to the wisdom of BN’s top leadership… consideration should be given,” he said.