KUALA LUMPUR – Any understanding between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) should not yet be considered a formal coalition, with Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Shaiful Hazizy describing attempts to brand the cooperation as premature.
Commenting on suggestions that BN and PN could contest the Negeri Sembilan state election under the name Perikatan Barisan Malaysia (PBM), Shaiful said the current arrangement remains an understanding rather than a political coalition.
"This is an understanding, not a 'coalition'. It is far too early to 'brand' this cooperation, as there are still many matters that need to be examined and negotiated," he told Scoop.
Shaiful acknowledged that cooperation between the two coalitions had already begun, but stressed that more discussions were needed to ensure the partnership remained relevant and did not become merely a race-based political arrangement.
"The beginning of the cooperation is already there. However, to ensure this cooperation remains relevant and is not merely 'racial' in nature, it needs to be refined and negotiated."
"What is important is that this cooperation has staying power and is well accepted by the people,” explained the Umno Kedah Information Chief.
He said the main challenge was not gaining support from within Umno, but convincing Malaysians that any cooperation between BN and PN would be inclusive and go beyond race and religion.
"Umno's grassroots support has proven to be loyal and very understanding. We give our full support to whatever decision is made by the President and the Supreme Council (MKT)."
"However, the real challenge is how to convince the people that this cooperation transcends race and religion,” he said.
Shaiful’s remarks come amid increasing speculation over closer ties between BN and PN ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election, as leaders from both coalitions continue discussions on possible electoral cooperation.
However, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier said that the proposed cooperation to form a Perikatan Barisan Nasional (PBN) alliance for the Negeri Sembilan state election had never been officially discussed.
He said the matter had only been mentioned during campaign speeches.
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