BN-PN cooperation does not need official name, says Hadi

 The PAS president says unity and cooperation between the two coalitions matter more than formalising their partnership.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang says BN-PN cooperation will continue by assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their electoral partnership.

SEREMBAN:

PAS president Hadi Awang said the cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) does not require an official platform or name despite their two-thirds majority victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election.

He said what mattered most was the spirit of cooperation and unity between the two coalitions.

“No need for a name. What is in a name? What is important is that we work together. Working together and unity are very important,” he told a press conference at the Negeri Sembilan PAS Complex here tonight.

He was responding to whether the BN-PN cooperation would be formalised through an official platform following their major victory in the state polls.

Based on unofficial results, the two coalitions have together secured a two-thirds majority in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly.

In the lead-up to polling night, Wawasan president Hamzah Zainudin had proposed naming the pact between the party and PN as “Perikatan Barisan Nasional”, a suggestion that received a lukewarm response from BN leaders.

Hadi said the cooperation would continue through discussions between leaders from both sides to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their electoral partnership.

“We are always discussing, not negotiating any more. We will deliberate on the post-mortem of this election … looking at the strengths and weaknesses. We want to improve ties for the future.”

However, he did not rule out changes to the form of cooperation, depending on political developments in each state.

“Not necessarily. It depends on local developments and the local situation,” he said when asked whether the same cooperation formula would be used in other state elections. - FMT