PORT DICKSON: Several Umno leaders appear uneasy over the term "Perikatan Barisan Nasional" proposed by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin regarding their electoral understanding for the Negri Sembilan state polls.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said such terms are irrelevant as their cooperation does not amount to the formation of a new coalition, according to Sinar Harian.
Instead, he said the relationship between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional is solely for the coming state election.
"His statement was made out of the context of what was previously discussed. For me, that label is irrelevant. I myself do not understand what he meant by it," he was quoted as saying.
Wan Rosdy said this when met by reporters following a campaign programme in Palong 4, Jempol on Wednesday (July 22).
Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who was also present, said Barisan leadership had never discussed or approved the use of that label.
"Perikatan Barisan Nasional is his own statement. Our leaders have never agreed to this. It's more about working together, establishing an understanding, minimising clashes and winning the state polls together," he said.
He also urged all quarters to sincerely accept the cooperation formed.
Negri Sembilan Umno chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said coining terms to describe the electoral understanding between Barisan and Perikatan was not a major issue.
"That was his suggestion and it will be decided by the leadership. I don't think it's something big or should be thought about," he said.
This comes after Hamzah proposed that the electoral understanding between Barisan and Perikatan for the state polls should be dubbed "Perikatan Barisan Nasional" to avoid confusing voters.
Barisan is contesting 25 seats for the Negri Sembilan polls while Perikatan is contesting 11.
PAS, a Perikatan component party, also urged its supporters to vote for Barisan candidates in seats where it was not contesting.
Pakatan Harapan is contesting all 36 seats while Bersatu is contesting independently.
Polling day is set for Aug 1.
