'Friends of Barisan Nasional' group in the offing

2009/11/12

Suganthi Suparmaniam

Malaysians can expect a vigorous and all-inclusive Barisan Nasional in the near future as the necessary steps to turn BN into a more relevant political institution have been initiated.

Various fresh “out of the box” initiatives are in the works but for a start, BN is mulling the setting up of a “Friends of Barisan Nasional” affiliate, comprising BN-friendly non-governmental organisations and political parties.

BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the idea was to create a platform for individuals and organisations keen on supporting and working with BN.

“We are trying to put forward this concept for those who are not keen on joining BN component parties but strongly believe and support our struggle towards building a better Malaysia for all.

“Such groups and individuals could join the ‘Friends of BN’ and be with us,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Tengku Adnan said BN was looking at the possibility of adjusting the coalition’s constitution to accommodate the proposed changes which might also consider the possibility of introducing a direct membership mechanism.

Tengku Adnan said the “Fr iends of BN”was a noble initiative to ensure a greater participation aimed at serving the people better.

“We are not talking about seats.

It is not all about winning elections but more about being inclusive and understanding the rakyat’s needs and aspirations.

“Becoming election candidates or holding positions in BN should not be in the picture if like-minded groups are sincere in wanting to be of service to the people,” he said.

“Even Pas or DAP might want to join the ‘Friends of BN’,” Te n g k u Adnan said in jest, adding that the ruling coalition was currently looking at the legal aspects of the concept before putting it forward to the party’s supreme council.

He said under the proposal, “Friends of BN” r e p r e s e n t at i ve s might be included in the BN’s brainstorming sessions on how best to serve the rakyat.

“BN cannot afford to be complacent.

It has towork hard, serve the people and move with the times,” he said adding that it was part of the re-branding process initiated by BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. It was understood that Najib started the ball rolling for the necessary reforms in the 13-party ruling coalition when he was heading the BN Management Committee under the previous leadership.

The main focus was to look into the details in terms of the structure and conditions, of setting up a platform for greater participation in BN.

Several leaders from BN component parties were fully supportive of the “Friends of BN” concept, agreeing that the initiative was in the best interest of the rakyat.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Information chief Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said the BN has always been open to new ideas.

“Since even enemies who realised their folly are welcomed in BN, what more if they are our fr iends,” he said.

Kalabakan Umno chief Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh said it would be a good idea to include the NGOs in the government’s policy making processes.

Echoing his views was MIC vicepresidentDatuk Dr S.Subramaniam who said the people stand to benefit if BN works together with the bodies under the “Friends of BN”.

Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said “Friends of BN” was a good way for BN to work with NGOs and other political parties in order to reach out to the people.

“It’s a good concept. We welcome it,” he said.

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