BN ready to form 'post-electoral coalition' for two-thirds majority - Zahid

 

Barisan Nasional chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has indicated the coalition's readiness to explore possibilities of entering into a "post-electoral coalition" towards achieving a two-thirds majority in Parliament after the next 15th general elections.

Speaking at a press conference after the 48th BN convention at Dewan Merdeka, PWTC, in Kuala Lumpur, Zahid said politics must be approached as a dynamic affair based on needs.

"The need to initiate cooperation with any parties agreeable to BN's policies and pillars," he said.

Zahid echoed Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's call for a strong and stable government formed with a more than two-thirds majority to prevent unexpected threats to the new administration.

"So, the next steps must be done through post-electoral. It must be prepared so we will not be shocked by any adverse consequences in the event of unwanted incidences," he said.

Zahid said this when asked for comments on Umno council member Azalina Othman Said's statement earlier today that BN must present a reform agenda and be ready to build new alliances to form a new government with a two-thirds majority.

"We need to keep an open mind about either a pre-election or post-election coalition agreement, regardless of (if we are dealing) with 'enemies' or 'unfriendly' parties if we want (to have) 148 seats.

"We have to be ready to negotiate with those with whom we can find common ground. If we are offering change, we need to identify the policies we intend to implement or laws we want to change," she said.

Last December, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said that BN remains steadfast in going alone for GE15, at the time amid strained ties with former allies Bersatu and PAS that still formed a part of the present administration.

'No request from PBM to join BN'

Zahid also revealed that BN has yet to receive any formal application from Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) to join the coalition, despite the party led by former PKR leaders previously pledging its support for the government.

Met by reporters after the press conference, Ismail Sabri said he has yet to meet with Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin following her decision to quit Bersatu and join PBM.

"She is still on leave. She said she will explain and discuss with me before I make a decision on her status as a minister," said Ismail Sabri, who denied speculations that Zuraida had made a move ahead of a Cabinet reshuffle. - Mkini