INDIVIDUAL statements made by any component party leaders in Barisan Nasional (BN) do not reflect the official stance of the coalition, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said in critical situations, such as in facing the six state elections, such statements that contradict BN’s principles are not welcome.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said BN has never endorsed any individual statement issued by BN leaders, either from MIC, MCA or Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

“We do not entertain individual opinions because such statements (contrary to BN’s official stance) will only create the perception that we lack unity.

“BN’s cooperation with PH (Pakatan Harapan) is currently at its best. So let’s not entertain individual opinions. My sincere gratitude to MIC, MCA and PBRS for always supporting BN to face the state elections,” he told a press conference after opening the 23rd edition of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates Asia Pacific Chapter Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid said this when asked about MCA Youth secretary-general Daniel Wa’s statement yesterday calling for MCA to neither field any candidate nor help BN candidates contesting in the state elections.

It is learnt that the statement was issued as a protest against Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Adam’s remark labelling MCA and MIC as “biawak hidup” (dead weight).

The six states with upcoming elections are Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Kelantan and Selangor dissolved their state assemblies last week while that of Kedah is expected to be dissolved on Wednesday. – Bernama, June 26, 2023.