KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional never intended to take the political cooperation with Perikatan Nasional any further than the last three state elections, says its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president, however, said, that he would consider similar political cooperation in the next general election if circumstances “required it”.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this in response to media queries on whether the Barisan-Perikatan political cooperation would be finalised for the 16th General Election.
He was speaking after attending a Deepavali open house held by Barisan component Malaysia's People's Progressive Party (PPP).
Also in attendance were PPP president Datuk Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan and MIC secretary-general Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
“What we have gone through, particularly in Negri Sembilan and Melaka, is “tafaahum siyasi” which means a political understanding.
“We have never planned to take this any further. However, if the time comes and circumstances require it, we will sit down together to discuss the matter,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He also stated that he would not be pressing for dissolution of the Parliament but would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“If the situation calls for a dissolution of the Parliament, the Prime Minister would then have the right and mandate to do so,” said Ahmad Zahid.
On Oct 24, during the launch of Barisan’s Melaka state election candidates, Zahid had stated that “If Barisan and PAS can establish this cooperation, the road to Putrajaya will become brighter”.
PAS leaders have also stated that there is a possibility that the political understanding between Barisan and Perikatan may be extended to enable the two coalitions to reach Putrajaya in the next general election.
The recent state elections in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka saw massive wins siding Barisan and Perikatan due to the political cooperation between the duo with the agenda for Malay unity.
