‘Discuss coalition’s direction soon’
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional leaders have been urged to discuss the coalition’s direction as soon as possible or risk extinction.
The Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman cautioned that more component parties would leave BN if no strategic planning or a new “captain” was put forward.
He said the BN supreme council must convene as soon as possible and discuss all aspects, including the possibility of the coalition’s dissolution or replacing it with a new cooperation.
“BN does not have an ‘opposition DNA’ and has never been not in control for more than 60 years, hence why they are in a muddle.
“This is why there is a pressing need to carve out a clear direction as well as leadership, or else we will see more component parties leave BN.
“All aspects must be put on the table, especially how BN and Umno, as the backbone, can regain its glory years, and whether the party has deviated from its original mission to uphold the rights of the people,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
He was commenting on a statement by Umno Veterans Club secretary-general Datuk Mustapha Yaakub, who had called for BN to be dissolved as it has become irrelevant.
On Tuesday, BN component parties in Sarawak announced they were leaving the coalition.
Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairul Azwan Harun said BN’s future, whether it was dissolved or not, was in the hands of each component party leader who was still within the coalition.
BN, he said, could still exist even if only two parties were willing to continue the present cooperation.
“I suggest that this cooperation be continued, with an absolute change in place involving all angles, including branding, structure, as well as approach.
“Direct membership should be implemented without making it compulsory for one to become a component party member first.
“BN will be dead and buried if these aren’t done.”
BN does not have an ‘opposition DNA’ and has never been not in control for more than 60 years, hence why they are in a muddle.
Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) president