BN sticking to power-sharing principle despite calls from detractors

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will stick to its power-sharing principle despite calls by a number of Umno division chiefs for the party to take back seats loaned to MCA and Gerakan in previous general elections.

Barisan deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will defend this principle in the upcoming 14th general election (GE14) as MCA had in the past stood by Umno during the party’s time of need.

“I think there is some pressure, I understand, from some Umno divisional heads, or even some NGOs supportive of Umno, to have Malay-majority seats given only to Umno.

“But remember the power-sharing principle, which I really embrace.”

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Barisan was in the midst of finalising its seat allocation and candidate list for GE14 among all the component party presidents and with state Barisan chiefs.

“I think the choice of candidates should, by convention, follow the allocation of seats given to all component parties.

“We are trying to maximise the satisfaction of all Barisan component leaders,” he added.

Asked what his expectations were of Barisan component parties, including MCA and Gerakan in GE14, Dr Ahmad Zahid said: “In 1988 when Umno was deregistered, the next general election was in 1990 and Umno was relatively weak at the time.

“Who helped Umno and Barisan at the time? It was MCA, Gerakan, MIC and other component parties, so remember that.

“Now, relatively they are weak, so to me personally, now is the time to assist them.”

Dr Ahmad Zahid said that when Umno faced problems, the party could rely on its fellow Barisan component parties for help.

He said it was not a problem for the component parties to contest in Malay-majority seats, as this was a translation of what power sharing meant among the Barisan parties.

“We should respect Barisan’s consensus on seat allocation,” he said, adding that Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will make the final decision.

Asked about Chinese voter sentiments in the run-up to GE14, Dr Ahmad Zahid said he believed that many felt let down by the Opposition’s failure to deliver on its promises despite the support from the community in the past two general elections.

“Many Chinese voters realise the need for stability, more business opportunities, good education and security.

“I have Chinese friends who are professionals who feel that while they had given chances to DAP twice before, in the end, the result has only been rhetoric from the Opposition party.”

On his message to Chinese voters, Dr Ahmad Zahid said: “This time around, let’s support Barisan again. Give us your trust and we promise that we are going to deliver.”

Asked whether or not Umno would form an electoral pact with PAS, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the two parties have not discussed the matter.

“I don’t think we should talk about it. We respect their principle to stand alone as an alternative Opposition party.”