‘Seat allocation formula fine-tuned’

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FOR UNITY: Najib waving the flag with Gerakan presiden Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon when attending the 40th Gerakan national delegates conference at Menara PGRM. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday the Barisan Nasional (BN) will make adjustments to the existing formula on allocation of seats for the next general election.

Najib, who is BN chairman, said the adjustments were necessary to adapt to the local circumstances due to a change in the political dynamics.

“The formula on seat allocation was drawn up in 2004 and applied in 2008. For the next general election, we have to consider whether there has been a change in the political dynamics requiring us to make adjustments.

“Leaders of the BN parties will hold discussions to come up with the best formula on the allocation of seats,” he told a news conference after opening the 40th Gerakan national delegates conference at Menara PGRM, here.

He said the leaders of all the BN component parties agreed in principle and spirit to come to a compromise and that he would have discussions with them to work out the best formula.

“We will not do a complete overhaul, but make adjustments where necessary,” he said.

Earlier, when addressing the delegates, Najib said the adjustments would enable the BN to review its strengths and weaknesses in drawing up its general election strategy, including selecting winnable candidates.

He said all BN members should place their trust in the BN top leadership to determine the winnable candidates, and support them.

“We will have to choose the best component party to represent us in each constituency; we will choose the best candidate
because we want to win big,” he said.

Najib, in his speech, also said that the BN is now at a major crossroads and that the next general election will be a big test which will determine its survival.

As such, he said, all BN leaders and members can no longer assume it is business as usual in the ever challenging political landscape of the country.

He said the BN must demonstrate to the people that it is the better choice for all Malaysians.

“We must prepare to walk the talk, walking the ground to meet the people and to get the support of the people,” he said. — Bernama