NILAI: Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to accepting any party wanting to join the coalition but with the consensus of its four component parties, said its deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan.
The four members are Umno, MIC, MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
“We must be inclusive and not exclusive any more. So, if you ask for my personal opinion, the more parties under the BN umbrella, the better because each has its own strength. Combined, they will provide added synergy.
“This is what we have to do for BN to build new strength because we lost in the 14th general election (GE14).
“Whatever BN stands for and its policies, there needs to be a review so that its two objectives, which are strengthening the coalition and drawing up strategies to win in GE15, can be realised,” he said after opening Parti Makkal Sakti Malaysia’s 12th annual general meeting.
Commenting on Makkal Sakthi president RS Thanenthiran’s request for the party to contest on a BN ticket in three parliamentary and seven state seats in GE15, Mohamad said this should be considered as the party had been a loyal friend to BN even though its status was not that of a component.
“Makkal Sakti is a BN partner and not a component, but consideration should be given because it has long helped BN, when it was part of the government or no longer in government.
“There are other partners who have stated the same. I am of the view that if more parties are with BN, the more inclusive it will be. I leave this matter to the wisdom of the top leadership,” he said.