GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional component parties should not feel discouraged or left out in the present unity government framework as they are part of a bigger coalition, says BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said instead of focusing on “old issues”, BN component parties should work on improving themselves and attracting voters.
“I don’t want others to despair when we are cooperating in a smart partnership. Give a good impression (of yourself).
“Member parties (in BN) must strengthen themselves. That is more important than focusing on disappointments within (their respective) parties,” he told reporters here today.
Yesterday, MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon had urged Zahid to focus on taking care of BN’s coalition partners after he seemingly endorsed DAP candidates for the upcoming state elections.
Chong said Zahid should “be careful” in all matters related to cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan, adding that he should also “stick to his principles”.
He said the BN chairman should prioritise the coalition’s component parties and “look after their interests, instead of PH and DAP’s”.
This comes after Zahid said Umno members were finding it hard to accept DAP as a partner in the government, and that he was ready to meet those who opposed the cooperation and explain the decision to work with DAP.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, today said all parties within BN must remind themselves that they were part of a larger “tent” of 19 parties under the unity government.
“In the new political reality, we should embrace the presence of (these) parties and this 19-party collaboration,” he said.
