MELAKA, Nov 12 – Barisan Nasional (BN) remains committed to supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership at the federal level, despite competing against Pakatan Harapan (PH) in several state elections.
Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said political differences at state level would not affect the coalition’s support for the federal government.
He pointed to the cooperation between BN and PH ministers as evidence of their continued working relationship.
Zahid made the remarks after attending an engagement session with Melaka Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) in Ayer Molek on Thursday.
State Election Rivalry Does Not Affect Federal Cooperation
Zahid acknowledged that BN and PH are competing against each other in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.
However, he said both coalitions continue to work together at the federal level.
He also stressed that BN ministers have remained supportive of government policies during Cabinet meetings.
According to Zahid, ministers from the coalition have not opposed the government’s direction or challenged the Prime Minister’s leadership.
He explained that parties within the Unity Government have the freedom to decide their own political strategies at state level, especially during election campaigns.
Zahid Responds to Resignation Call
Zahid was also asked about a call for him to resign if he no longer supported the Anwar-led government.
The issue followed his earlier suggestion that Parliament should be dissolved to allow a general election.
Digital Minister and DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo reportedly made the call in response to Zahid’s remarks.
Zahid’s latest statement makes clear that he intends to maintain BN’s support for the federal administration despite political competition between the coalition partners.
BN and PH Compete in Melaka Election
The 16th Melaka State Election has seen BN and PH field candidates in several constituencies.
PH is contesting 24 of the state’s 28 assembly seats, while BN is contesting 23.
Other contestants include Parti Bersama Malaysia, Bersatu, Perikatan Nasional and Parti Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia. Three independent candidates are also taking part.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling day for November 14. Early voting took place on November 10.
Zahid’s remarks highlight the difference between political competition at state level and cooperation within the federal Unity Government.
Despite their election rivalry, BN says it remains committed to supporting Anwar’s leadership at the national level.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
