Khaled: Size matters, bigger is more stable

 

JOHOR POLLS | Unlike Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional (PN), the BN formula ensures stability because one party is head and shoulders above the rest, said former Johor Umno head Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Khaled said Harapan and PN on the other hand do not have a dominant party and hence they are more likely to bicker.

"Look at the seats which BN are vying for in the Johor election. Although 50 percent of 56 seats is 28, Umno is not fielding 28 candidates.

"Umno is fielding 37. There are 15 for MCA and four for MIC. If anything (bad) happens, Umno is still strong," he added.

In comparison, Khaled said Harapan's formula was a 20-16-14 split for PKR, Amanah and DAP.

"No one (can win) more than 28 seats. There's no core (party). They can threaten each other (if they form a government)," he added.

He pointed out that the situation with PN was similar, as Bersatu will only be fielding 30 candidates.

‘Integration, not assimilation’

Having Umno at BN's core, said Khaled, does not erode Malaysia's multiracial foundation.

"BN's approach (to nation-building) is integration, not assimilation. There are Chinese, Indians and Malays. We are not asking Malays to become Chinese or Indians (and vice-versa).

"We are not trying to create a 'rojak' culture. Malays will be Malays, but (different ethnic groups) can work towards common goals such as development, security and national interest," he added. - Mkini