MCA has demanded Ahmad Zahid Hamidi quit as Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman after he defied the wishes of the Supreme Council not to support any coalition in forming the federal government.

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon said BN is still not backing any coalition to form the next government and Zahid’s decision to send a letter of support to Istana Negara had gone against the collective decision made by BN.

“The purported BN letter dated November 22, which was sent to the palace and claimed BN had backed Anwar Ibrahim, was not a unanimous agreement made by BN,” he said.

Chong revealed that Zahid was pressed by BN party component members last night in a meeting on his action and only admitted his deed after evidence was put in front of him.

“Therefore, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is no longer fit to lead BN and must immediately resign as the chairman,” he said.

“Mohamad Hasan should replace him, as agreed to by the majority of BN Supreme Council members last night.”

Chong’s statement confirms a letter that has been circulating on social media endorsing Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Separately, MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran confirmed that Zahid sent the letter to the palace expressing BN lawmakers’ support for PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim to be prime minister.

“He (Zahid) admitted sending the letter after 10 BN MPs retracted their support for (Perikatan Nasional chairman) Muhyiddin (Yassin) and BN made the decision to remain neutral,” he was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, Muhyiddin, who met the king, rejected the advances of forming a unity government with PH.

Anwar, who also met the king, said besides wanting a unity government, the Agong also wanted the formation of a strong and formidable government that is inclusive of all races and religions.

“This allows the government to focus on solving the problems of the people and resuscitating the economy,” he said.

In Saturday’s general election, PH won 76 seats, its member Sarawak DAP collected five and ally Muda, one, for a total of 82.

PN and PAS won 51 and 22 seats respectively, for a combined total of 73.

BN only won 30 seats. – November 23, 2022.