BN-PN GE16 talks must go beyond GE15, says Umno leader

Jerut, Pahang - Umno chief Haris Salleh Hamzah has emphasized that any political cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) must go beyond merely discussing seat allocations in the upcoming general election (GE16). In an interview with FMT, the Jerantut Umno leader stated that the two coalitions should consider factors such as voter support, candidates' qualifications, and electoral prospects, rather than solely relying on the outcomes of the previous GE15.

Haris stressed that while past events should be recognized as history, the current political realities must be taken into account. He pointed out that in the last state election, BN secured 16 out of 17 seats under PN, while PAS won 15 seats and Pakatan Harapan captured eight. Following this, BN and PN formed the state government with Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail as the Menteri Besar.

Haris underscored that such cooperation must be built on mutual trust and give-and-take, aiming to foster political stability and address pressing issues like the cost of living, education, employment opportunities, and local development.