KUALA LUMPUR: Seat allocations for the upcoming state and general elections will follow Barisan Nasional’s existing formula, with possible refinements for component parties and allies, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said parties such as the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) and other “Friends of Barisan Nasional” had previously been allocated seats, and this approach would likely continue.
“I am confident that in the upcoming state elections and particularly the general election, we will use the same formula.
“We may refine or increase the number of seats where necessary,” he told a press conference at Kimma’s 46th Congress at the World Trade Centre here yesterday.
He said such arrangements reflect the coalition’s long-standing cooperation.
Ahmad Zahid expressed appreciation for the support of component party leaders as preparations ramp up for state polls in Melaka and Johor as well as the next general election.
The Umno president added that relying on party members alone would not be enough to secure victory, urging the party machinery to reach out to non-partisan voters.
Responding to a suggestion by Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan to postpone the Johor and Melaka elections due to the economic climate, Ahmad Zahid dismissed it as a personal view.
“That is his personal opinion and not the position of Umno or Barisan,” he added.
Separately, Ahmad Zahid said any decision to admit new parties into Barisan, including Kimma, must be backed by a unified and formal agreement among existing component parties.
He explained that the coalition’s constitution requires unanimous consent before any new party can be accepted as a full member.
“The constraint lies in the Barisan constitution itself, which stipulates that any application to join as a core party must receive unanimous agreement, or 100% approval, from existing component parties.
“That has not been achieved,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He also urged parties that had previously expressed opposition to new entries to take a consistent stand and formalise their positions through official channels rather than issuing conflicting public statements.
Ahmad Zahid said inconsistent positions could undermine trust within the coalition, adding that the matter should be resolved at the Barisan supreme council.
Addressing MIC’s current status, he clarified the party has not officially declared its exit from Barisan, despite indications of communication with Perikatan Nasional.
“They have not stated officially that they are leaving Barisan.
“Although there was a letter sent to Perikatan, they have denied ever applying to join that pact even though the letter suggests otherwise,” he said.
Earlier, Kimma renewed its appeal to be recognised as a Barisan component party – its seventh attempt since its founding in 1976 – with its president Syed Ibrahim Kader saying formal inclusion would allow it to better represent the Indian Muslim community in government.
