KUCHING: The idea to merge all Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties into a single party will be good for the coalition in the long run.
In stating this, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy information chief Dato Peter Minos said in doing do, Pakatan Rakyat (PR) would no longer have the basis to say BN is racist or racially-based.
“Some Malaysians like the idea as many had expressed the idea for a one-party BN instead of a coalition of 14 as of now,” he said yesterday.
He pointed out in the recently concluded 13th general election, many people, especially urban ones, were not interested in race-related issues but rather were concerned with issues like justice, fairness, openness and transparency in the government.
“Some of them accused BN of being dominated by a certain race and party. So maybe a one-party BN will get rid of the current perception of BN.
“Personally, I see no way for Malaysians to forget their respective races or their racial origins. In words, maybe, but not in reality.
“Those claiming to be racially-blind are not really so. What Malaysians really want is to be treated by those in power and influence with fairness and justice.
“Malaysians find it hard and painful if and when treated unfairly and unjustly solely on the ground of race. So, if a one-party BN can make Malaysians happy and contented, why not have it?” he said.
Having said that, Minos was of the opinion that BN with its current structure is just as good, as after each election, each of the 14 component parties go their separate ways, often in good terms with one another.
He also hoped BN will continue to focus on rural development in order to maintain its support from the rural populace.
He pointed out that many remote parts of Sarawak and Sabah still lack the basic infrastructure such as treated water, electricity supply and tar-sealed roads.
“I predict BN will survive if it really helps rural Malaysians starting now. If not, it may fall in 10 to 20 years’ time,” he said.