KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional must change its seat allocation formula in the next general election, says Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The MIC deputy president said if Barisan kept to its current formula of seat allocation where the component parties would swap seats - its component parties would lose out.
“During the six state elections, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan asked which seat MIC wanted. I was excited and informed him of the seats we wanted, and we discussed the matter daily.
“Then a few days before the election, they said that the presidential council would decide and MIC ended up getting one seat to contest.
"So don’t let us be played out again,” he said during the Barisan 50th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre here on Saturday (Dec 7).
Saravanan said MIC also does not agree with the formula where component parties would only contest at their respective incumbent seats.
“If we had followed this formula, we would never have given the Cameron Highlands seat to Umno.
“In the past, if you were a division chief, you would automatically become a candidate. But with the current formula, you would never become a candidate — not even in a lifetime.
"If we continue with this formula, then our role as Friends of Barisan will only be to put up posters until the end,” he said.
Saravanan added that almost 68% of the Indian community expressed longing for the return of Barisan.
“We are not a small party, and after the 15th General Election, many realised this.
“In Tapah, many people have asked me when Barisan will return to power. Shouldn’t we take into account the sentiment of those who miss the coalition?” he asked.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) deputy president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said PBRS will continue its unwavering loyalty to Barisan.
He said PBRS has never wavered, not even an inch, and has consistently stood firm in defending Barisan even when the coalition was tested and abandoned by other component parties.
“It is clear that BN is a strong and forward-thinking coalition. However, we cannot afford to be complacent with our current standing. We must remember that the trust of the people is a gift that must be honoured with responsibility and integrity.
“Five decades in the national political arena is no easy feat. Our gathering here bears witness to Barisan’s achievements, reflecting the coalition's strength, wisdom, and resilience in leading a party that represents Malaysians of various races, cultures, and religions.
“In the history of the nation’s politics, PBRS stands as the only local Sabah party that has remained a steadfast ally of Barisan through both good times and challenging moments.
"This year, PBRS celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of unwavering commitment to Barisan since it was founded in 1994,” he added.
