Umno leaders lukewarm over Hamzah's 'Perikatan Barisan Nasional' branding

 

Several Umno leaders have expressed reservations over the “Perikatan Barisan Nasional” (PBN) branding coined by Parti Wawasan Negara president Hamzah Zainudin to describe the cooperation between Perikatan Nasional and BN.

While campaigning for the Negeri Sembilan state election in Tampoi on July 21, Hamzah had said the PBN term would make it easier for the public to understand the pact between the two coalitions and avoid confusion caused by referring to PN and BN separately.

However, several Umno figures have not echoed his enthusiasm for the name, with party president and BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today highlighting that no official discussions have been held on continuing the cooperation beyond the state polls.

The deputy prime minister said proposals for cooperation between BN and PN were “only mentioned” in a campaign speech, with talks via official channels yet to take place.

“It would be better to have a discussion and formalise it if the proposal is serious, but if it is merely campaign rhetoric, then I think the proposal should be properly detailed,” Zahid (above) told a press conference in George Town, according to the New Straits Times.

‘Irrelevant term’

Earlier, Umno vice-president Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described the PBN term as “irrelevant” as it hints at the formation of a new political coalition.

Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail

Instead, Wan Rosdy, who is also the Pahang menteri besar, stressed that the cooperation between BN and PN as established thus far is merely an understanding to face the Negeri Sembilan polls.

“I don't even know what his (Hamzah's) interpretation (of the current cooperation) is,” Sinar Harian quoted Wan Rosdy as saying when met by reporters after a campaign event in Jempol last night.

Also present at the event was Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who affirmed that BN’s leadership has never discussed nor approved the use of the PBN name.

‘Just an understanding’

Reiterating Wan Rosdy’s remarks, Asyraf said the cooperation formed with PN is based only on an understanding to avoid seat clashes and to ensure a joint victory.

“If we can cooperate well, God willing, Negeri Sembilan will become the start and catalyst for a unity that the Muslim ummah as a whole longs for," he said.

Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki

He further urged all quarters to sincerely accept the cooperation to ensure that BN regains its strength and is able to gain administrative control of Negeri Sembilan if given the people’s mandate.

For Negeri Sembilan Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias, the matter of a name for the cooperation between BN and PN is not something that should occupy minds at the moment.

“That's just his (Hamzah's) proposal, and both leaderships will determine it, but I think it doesn't carry much weight and is not something that needs to be thought about,” the Pertang state seat hopeful reportedly said. - Mkini