SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional component parties have been advised to refrain from making statements that could harm the coalition, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Barisan deputy chairman emphasised that major components like Umno, MCA and MIC have built strong ties over decades, making public disagreements unwise.
"In any relationship, including that of a husband and wife, disagreements are inevitable. We in Barisan have been friends for decades since our days together in the Alliance, where the MCA and MIC have been its pillars.
"I hope we can manage minor disagreements wisely so that the Barisan family remains strong," he said.
Mohamad was responding to a statement by MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, who recently mentioned the party would decide its future direction after its annual general meeting in October.
He expressed dissatisfaction with MIC's lack of representation in the unity government, feeling like an unwanted guest.
Saravanan had said that the party has not been given any government positions despite having senior political figures like him as leaders.
Previously, MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng asked Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for clarity on whether the coalition will collaborate with the unity government or partner with Pakatan Harapan in the next general election.
Tan stated that component parties require leadership and clear direction on this unresolved issue.
This followed MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon's call for the party to take charge of its destiny if Barisan continued to delay defining a clear direction.
Mohamad emphasised that finger-pointing among component parties would derail efforts to strengthen the coalition.
"If we are serious about regaining support, then we must work towards that.
"The same applies to Umno leaders, who should focus on strengthening the party rather than discussing internal issues openly," he said, adding that all component parties should collaborate to regain public support.
