Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) remains steadfast in supporting the Unity Government until the conclusion of the 15th Parliament, dismissing any speculation about attempting to overthrow Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized the coalition's commitment aligns with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's directive for forming the Unity Government post-2022 General Election. The coalition's resolve has not wavered since then.
"I have absolutely no intention of any 'Bangkok Move' or 'Dubai Move'. Our position is clear. Once we committed to joining the Unity Government following the King's decree, we committed ourselves until the end of the 15th Parliament. Full stop. There should be no doubts. Let people say what they want, but we must remain united for the sake of political stability and be sincere in that commitment," Ahmad Zahid stated during a press briefing after chairing the 61st Coordination Meeting between the Minister of Rural and Regional Development and State Executive Councillors for Rural Development (MEXCLUB).
The meeting saw the presence of key figures such as Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah, Penang Rural Development, Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, and BN Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.
Addressing reports about a BN polling district centre (PDM) in Klawang halting operations amid the Negeri Sembilan state election campaign, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as UMNO president, reported that the issue is under the state party leadership's management. "I have discussed the issue with Negeri Sembilan UMNO chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias since the centre falls within his Jelebu parliamentary constituency. The matter is being resolved. We still have about nine days before polling, and I believe it can be settled," he mentioned.
Reports have suggested that the BN PDM in Klawang paused operations in protest after BN did not field a candidate for the state seat in the state election. The Klawang contest involves a three-way battle among Pakatan Harapan's Bakri Sawir, Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Danni Rais, and Bersatu's Muhammad Adib Musa.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid clarified that there have been no official discussions between BN and PN regarding any political collaboration under a proposed 'Perikatan Barisan Nasional (PBN)' alliance. He noted that the proposal surfaced only during campaign speeches and has not reached formal discussion stages, requiring thorough evaluation by the concerned parties.
During the same press conference, Ahmad Zahid responded humorously to a pantun shared by Anwar the previous day by reciting his own verse, underscoring a cordial relationship despite opposing campaign sides in the Negeri Sembilan state election. Yesterday, Anwar's pantun underscored the significance of unity and discipline in friendship and political cooperation.