Time for BN to be single party, says Gerakan No. 2

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 — It was time the Barisan Nasional (BN) became a single party representing all races in the country, said Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn.

Such a move, he said, would not only be crucial for the coalition’s future but also unify the races and give the BN an advantage over the opposition parties.

He said Gerakan would push for the realisation of such an idea where all component parties disbanded and their members became just BN members.

Chang said this at the opening of the party’s Youth and Wanita National Delegates Conference at Menara PGRM here today.

He said BN component parties should start to become non-racial and amend their respective party constitutions to accept members from different races and religions.

“With a multi-racial membership, it is less likely that any leader will champion the cause of any single race which is detrimental to racial unity and would tend to breed ill-feelings of other races, especially at the hands of rabble-rousers.

“You have to be responsible to all races and you can’t play one race against the other when all are your members,” added Chang.

Later, when speaking to reporters, he said the fact that BN had agreed to amend its constitution to accept direct membership and affiliated members was recognition of the advantage and advancement of a non-racial party.

“Even now, component parties have started to hold activities catering to all races, and not just a particular race as before.

“This is a good beginning and I am sure that the people will be happy and come (return to BN),” he said. — Bernama