KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional has never intended to extend its political cooperation with Perikatan Nasional beyond the last three state elections, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Barisan chairman, however, said he would consider continuing the cooperation in the next general election if circumstances” required it”.
“What we have gone through, particularly in Negri Sembilan and Melaka, is ‘tafaahum siyasi’, which means a political understanding.
“However, if the time comes and circumstances require it, we will sit down together to discuss the matter,” Ahmad Zahid said after attending a Deepavali open house organised by the Malaysian People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Brickfields yesterday.
The Deputy Prime Minister was responding to questions on whether the political cooperation between Barisan and Perikatan would be formalised ahead of the next general election.
Ahmad Zahid also said he would not push for Parliament to be dissolved, leaving the decision to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“If the situation calls for the dissolution of Parliament, the Prime Minister would have the right and mandate to do so,” he said.
On Oct 24, during the launch of Barisan’s Melaka state election candidates, Ahmad Zahid said: “If Barisan and PAS can establish this cooperation, the road to Putrajaya will become brighter.”
PAS leaders have also expressed interest in extending the political understanding between Barisan and Perikatan, with the aim of enabling the two coalitions to reach Putrajaya in the next general election.
The recent state elections in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka saw Barisan and Perikatan cooperate under the banner of Malay unity, contributing to strong electoral performances by both coalitions.
