GE15: BN component parties urged to turn to mutual respect in resolving issues

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional component parties have been urged to adhere to the principle of mutual respect in resolving any issue, says coalition secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic).

He said that the Barisan supreme council would consider and finalise any proposals and motions submitted in accordance with the coalition's rules and constitution.

"The head office advises all parties to continue to preserve the solidarity and spirit of consensus that has long been built in Barisan to ensure well-being and harmony as well as tolerance among member parties and Barisan affiliated parties.

"Barisan adheres to the principle of mutual respect in dealing with any issue faced.

"Therefore, manners in expressing and issuing any statement should be maintained as best as possible so as not to cause misunderstanding.

"This includes matters discussed in the BN supreme council meeting," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 23).

His statement came following a call by MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon who on Nov 20 had urged Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign as Barisan chairman.

Calls for Ahmad Zahid to resign had grown louder following Barisan's disastrous outing in the 15th General Election (GE15), which saw the coalition winning only 30 seats.

Chong also said Ahmad Zahid's move of sending a letter to the King stating that all 30 Barisan MPs were backing Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister had contradicted the resolution of Barisan supreme council.

Chong maintained that Ahmad Zahid was no longer fit to continue leading the coalition and that Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan should replace Ahmad Zahid as Barisan chairman.