BN component parties join calls for Zahid to step down

The leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties have joined calls for Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s resignation as Umno president and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman following the coalition’s dismal performance in the 15th general election (GE15). 

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said in a statement that Zahid should resign honorably as the party had lost confidence in his leadership.

A new leader needs to take over and set a new direction for the coalition, he said.

Chong said MCA was also surprised and disappointed by Zahid's decision to postpone the BN Supreme Council meeting scheduled for last night.

"At a time when there is political instability and uncertainty after GE15, there is a pressing need for the Supreme Council meeting to discuss the current political situation and make decision as a bloc.
 
"MCA is taking a firm stand that no party can represent BN to negotiate with any political parties without obtaining a mandate from the BN Supreme Council," he added.

Meanwhile, MIC Youth chief K Raven Kumar said it was time for Zahid to step down from leading BN.

"Resign honourably for the sake of the party's survival. This action will provide an opportunity for BN to recover and become relevant to Malaysians.

"The majority of youth sees BN as gripped by warlords and the court cluster. This clearly shows that they want a clean government that focuses on their welfare," he said.

In GE15, BN won just 30 out of the 178 parliamentary seats the coalition had contested.

This was far worse compared to GE14, where it secured 54 parliamentary seats.