SANDAKAN: None of the component parties of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Friends of BN were marginalised, in fact all were treated well, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said all BN component parties and Friends of BN were always engaged to discuss various issues.

In fact, he said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also the BN vice chairman, was given the honour of speaking and opening the Sabah BN Assembly and the Sabah BN Convention today proving that component parties were important for BN.

"In the past by-elections and general election, seats were also allocated, although not all, but we gave Friends of BN the opportunity to contest. There is always support for each other.

"We don't want negative views or interpretations from friends or those outside BN to saddle us, we take care of ourselves," he said at a press conference after closing the Sabah BN Assembly and Sabah BN Convention in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary and Golden Jubilee Celebration of BN here, today.

Also present were BN vice chairman Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup who is Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Earlier a news portal quoting sources, claimed that the grassroots of MCA, which is one of the component parties of BN along with Umno, MIC and PBRS, were no longer happy with the party's position in BN and felt marginalised in the current government.

Addressing this, Zahid said that issues related to government positions, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers, fell under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction.

He assured that if there was a lack of representation in the cabinet, he would raise the matter to ensure opportunities for BN leaders.

"If there are no cabinet positions, perhaps other roles can be considered for party members with experience," he said.

He added that only those outside BN might misinterpret or issue negative views about the coalition, but BN remained committed to its efforts to maintain its prominence in national politics.

Meanwhile, Zahid said BN would take legal action against Rembia assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis who joined Pas.

"Even though Muhammad Jailani joined PAS in June last year, he only issued a statement recently. He should remember that before becoming a candidate he signed several documents.

"The party will take legal action based on the document he signed," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/07/1079684/no-component-parties-friends-bn-marginalised-zahid