Surprises in store at BN convention, says Ku Nan

The Barisan Nasional (BN) convention next week is expected to spring some surprises and pave the way for changes in the ruling coalition's bid to strengthen its position.

BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor revealed today that the surprises could include amendments to the BN constitution.

"We will surprise you on that day. There will be changes; it's time for us to move forward," he told reporters after chairing a meeting on the convention at Wisma MCA here.

When asked what would be the surprises, he said: "Anything can happen. You will get the surprise, don't worry."

Tengku Adnan said the one-day convention at Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA, would be opened by Prime Minister and BN chairman Najib Tun Razak.

The debate will be a closed-door affair but he assured the media that they would be updated as the convention progresses.

When asked why the convention is held behind closed doors, Tengku Adnan said this was to avoid divulging the coalition's strategies to the opposition, which he said "is at war with (us) all the time”.

"We are charting out strategies; look towards ourselves and see what we can improve on. So we have to hold it behind closed doors," he said.

Other issues expected to be discussed are the 1Malaysia vision, economy, development, education, welfare, and law and order.

"Each of the 13 component parties will have the chance to debate on the topics which we shall agree on," he said.

This is the second BN convention after the one in 1995.

On the choice of Wisma MCA as the venue, Tengku Adnan said it was in line with the coalition's power-sharing practices.

"We are a strong front. We do it at Wisma MCA this time around, next it could be at MIC's place and so on. This is not an issue," he said.

About 2,100 delegates from BN component parties, friends of BN as well as NGOs are expected to attend this year's convention, themed "1People, 1Nation, 1Vision."

He said a pre-convention dinner would be held on Nov 27 at the prime minister's residence in Putrajaya.

The convention is expected to adopt a charter which will be handed over to the prime minister, he added.

- Bernama