KHAIRY Jamaluddin said Barisan Nasional (BN) must now be ready to become “a strong opposition” as demanded by voters following the coalition’s worst performance ever in the last general election.

“Don’t forget our responsibility to the voters and to the country. Firstly, serve your areas. We have 78 BN (seats) and we must serve them. We must play a role as a strong opposition.

“Even though the voters rejected BN, they hope BN can play a role as the opposition.

“The message from the people is that they are constantly judging the government,” he told a press conference today.

Khairy, who is both BN and Umno youth chief, said his focus for the short-term would be to stabilise the party and hold branch meetings immediately.

“BN’s loss is still fresh among voters. We need to start working as a credible opposition,” he said.

Khairy said good policies under BN, such as Transformasi Nasional 50 (TN50), should be adopted by Pakatan Harapan if they benefit the people.

“This is up to the new government. If old programmes and policies can be useful, then use them. I can’t force them, who am I?” he said.

“I’m just asking them to evaluate policies and programmes objectively, and not politically. If the programme is not right, put in place others. Make a decision based on a professional evaluation.” – May 14, 2018.