Kuala lumpur: UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has played down suggestions that MCA may leave Barisan Nasional (BN), saying relations between the two parties remain good. Johari, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, emphasized that each party has its own agenda and will make decisions based on internal considerations of the respective parties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari stated, "As of today, I see MCA still with BN. We have to accept the fact that, today, in most countries, it is difficult to have a single absolute political party. Therefore, what we need to do is adapt." He further added that the relationship between BN and MCA has been very close for more than 50 years. Johari's comments came after he attended the launch of the 100 Years of Rubber Research celebration.

The remarks follow a statement from MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was reported as saying that the party would quit BN if any of its components choose to work with DAP in the next general election.