DR Stephen Rundi
Paul Igai
Daniel Ngieng
SIBU: BN itself is a single party where members need to be nurtured to accept the concept of inclusivity/power sharing, and the sole political vehicle to represent every Malaysian, irrespective of background.
State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi expressed this opinion yesterday when asked on the proposal by Gerakan for BN to be in the form of a single party as stated by its acting president Datuk Chang Ko Youn.
“BN itself is a single party though consisting of various parties. Hence to me, it is about nurturing our members to accept the concept of inclusivity/power sharing of BN and think of BN as our sole political vehicle that will be able to represent every ethnic group in Malaysia, rather than looking more at which community it represents,” Dr Rundi, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) told thesundaypost.
SPDP deputy secretary-general Paul Igai, meanwhile, reckoned that BN component parties were very close to formally forming a one party by using one symbol – the scale during elections.
“For now, that is how far we could foresee. There are many considerations to be looked into before we seriously make any decision on the matter.
“Our nation is made up of many races with different cultures, religions, beliefs and levels of political exposures and thinking. Even the opposition still found it difficult to be united under one symbol in elections and governing.
“But time will tell. Before that, all Malaysians must be united in thoughts and purpose and not wait till there’s a third force emerging to threaten our nation,” Igai said, adding that it would be too late by then.
“History has shown us this could just happen. Our adversaries are just lurking in the dark spots of the globe waiting for the right moment,” he added.
SUPP Sibu branch vice-chairman Daniel Ngieng opined that it was ideal but not so soon.
He suggested that it would be better to start more actively on the top level by making BN into a more single party structure and leadership.
Ngieng pointed out it needs to have binding policies to reflect more national policies.
“Then over time, it can slowly trigger down the leadership by example from the top. It would take time and commitment from top leaders,” he opined.