Barisan Nasional (BN) has decided not to support any coalition to form the government, says caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The BN chairman and Umno vice-president said that the coalition is not throwing its support behind Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional.
“For now, Barisan has agreed to remain as the Opposition,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Nov 22).
This came amidst strong rumours circulating that Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have indicated that the coalition was ready to remain in the opposition and would not be part of either a Pakatan Harapan- or Perikatan Nasional-led government.
The tone has already been set that BN, which has unexpectedly become a kingmaker, decided not to support either coalition.
Barisan leaders, who continued their discussions until late Monday (Nov 21) night, have continued their meetings Tuesday (Nov 22) morning.
It is understood that the stand being conveyed is that Barisan would rather be outside any government.
UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said on Monday that Perkiatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan should consider setting up a government instead, saying that BN was prepared to be the opposition.
He said BN would be ready to provide checks and balances and be a responsible opposition.
Warisan Backs PH and BN for Govt
Minutes before the announcement by UMNO, Warisan said it has thrown its support for PH and BN to form the government.
Warisan president Shafie Apdal said the party was giving its backing to the two coalitions since the majority of Malaysians had voted for them.
“This support is also on the premise that the new federal government will resolve in full the 21 claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said.
The formation of the new government is now left to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong as the nation waits.
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