THERE has been no discussion regarding Barisan Nasional (BN) working with any other coalition to form a government after the general election (GE), said Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin. 

Khaled, who is BN’s candidate for the Kota Tinggi parliamentary seat, said BN candidates and leaders, including the parties’ “Top Five”, are currently focusing on campaigning in their respective constituencies to ensure the coalition’s GE victory. 

“I believe all of that (the question of working with other parties) was raised because they saw that BN would win, so everyone tried to position their respective parties so BN would ‘propose’ to them,” he told reporters after a gathering with Kota Tinggi Umno veterans at the Felda Pasak operations room today. 

He said this when asked to comment on media reports that quoted PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan’s statement in Kota Baru on Monday that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is confident it will form the government with a coalition of other parties, especially BN, after the GE. 

However, Takiyuddin in a separate statement yesterday claimed his words were taken out of context, coupled with confusing headlines in the media.

Khaled said he is confident of winning the Kota Tinggi parliamentary seat based on the response and acceptance of the people during his nearly two weeks of campaigning, and will intensify his efforts to attract young voters.

“I am satisfied with the acceptance of the community and voters in Kota Tinggi after many days of campaigning.

“It has entered the final phase and in terms of machinery… very enthusiastic and committed to fighting for victory,” said the former Johor menteri besar, who is also confident the momentum of the state elections, held in March, can be maintained.

The former Pasir Gudang MP also refuted claims that young voters do not want to support BN, describing that view as inaccurate.

“These young people will check the candidates’ backgrounds, experience and abilities to develop the constituency. I believe they are knowledgeable voters and will choose wisely,” he said. He is also confident of gaining the full support of Umno’s veteran voters. 

Khaled will face a three-cornered clash with Mohd Ridhwan Rasman (PN) and Onn Jaafar (Pakatan Harapan). – Bernama, November 16, 2022.