Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) will maintain the existing seat distribution formula to face the upcoming state elections and general election (GE), said its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir would be tasked with examining the need to make adjustments or increase the number of seats for coalition partners, including 'Friends of BN'.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of unity within the coalition, stating, "We want to prove that our togetherness all this time can be translated into the form of seat distribution that is suitable for them." This statement was made at a press conference after he officiated the 46th KIMMA Annual General Meeting at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. In attendance were Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, KIMMA president Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Kader, senior leaders of component parties, friends of BN, as well as 938 delegates from 95 divisions nationwide.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need for the BN machinery to attract support from outside voters, as relying solely on component party members would not suffice for a candidate's victory. "We are aware that support from component party members alone is not enough to win the election. Therefore, the machinery needs to start attracting support from voters who are not members of any component party," he stated.
Addressing questions about MIC's role in the coalition, Ahmad Zahid affirmed that the party remains a core BN member and has not shown any intention to leave. "Although there is a letter linked to Perikatan Nasional, MIC denies that they have ever applied to join the party," he clarified.
He also responded to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan's suggestion to postpone the Johor and Melaka state elections until economic conditions improve and oil price volatility subsides, stating that it was merely a personal view and not the official stance of UMNO or Barisan Nasional. Ahmad Zahid noted that Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had previously mentioned that the Melaka State Government's term would conclude on Nov 30, 2026, paving the way for the state's election.