Najib: BN will accept direct members

KUALA LUMPUR — The Barisan Nasional is to accept members directly into the ruling federal coalition effective today, in what is seen as an attempt to widen its appeal ahead of snap polls speculated for early next year.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the coalition’s supreme council approved the move to accept direct members, similar to a scheme undertaken by its predecessor, the Alliance.

The prime minister also said the coalition will inform the Registrar of Societies (RoS) over the change in its membership rules.

Najib also said Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu today attended the BN supreme council meeting as MIC president for the last time.

The longest-serving MIC president has said he will step down by next January.

Other changes to the coalition’s constitution include allowing politicians who are not aligned to any party to join the BN as associate members.

The BN is also setting up a “Rakan Muda BN” club aimed at drawing in supporters between the ages of 18 and 21.

The premier also said members of component parties will not be allowed to quit and then rejoin BN as a direct member.

“For example, Datuk Samy Vellu,” he said with a smile, and glanced at his BN colleague.

Najib added the rules will be fleshed out at the BN convention next week.

- Malaysian Insider