BN has no plans to extend political cooperation with PN, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) never intended to take the political cooperation with Perikatan Nasional (PN) any further than the last three state elections, says its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president, however, said, that he would consider similar political cooperation in the next general election if circumstances “required it”.

The Deputy Prime Minister said this in response to media queries on whether the BN-PN political cooperation would be finalised for the 16th General Election.

He was speaking after attending a Deepavali open house held by BN component Malaysia's People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Also in attendance were PPP president Datuk Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan and MIC secretary-general Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.

“What we have gone through, particularly in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, is “tafaahum siyasi” which means a political understanding.

“We have never planned to take this any further. However, if the time comes and circumstances require it, we will sit down together to discuss the matter,” said Zahid.

He also stated that he would not be pressing for dissolution of the Parliament but would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“If the situation calls for a dissolution of the Parliament, the Prime Minister would then have the right and mandate to do so,” said Zahid.

On Oct 24, during the launch of BN’s Melaka state election candidates, Zahid had stated that “If BN and Pas can establish this cooperation, the road to Putrajaya will become brighter”.

Pas leaders have also stated that there is a possibility that the political understanding between BN and PN may be extended to enable the two coalitions to reach Putrajaya in the next general election.

The recent state elections in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka saw massive wins siding BN and PN due to the political cooperation between the duo with the agenda for Malay unity. - THE STAR