Is BN ready to go solo?

The year 2018 can be considered a dark chapter for Barisan Nasional (BN) since the coalition lost in the 14th General Election (GE14), failing to retain the power it had held for over six decades.

Since then, the coalition, which includes component parties Umno, MCA and MIC has struggled with various issues, including leaders and members defecting to other parties for their political survival.

BN's presence, particularly Umno, in the national political arena reemerged when it became part of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman, following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.

However, the relationship between Umno and Bersatu appeared fragile, leading to calls for the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held.

After GE15 in November 2022, the country's political landscape changed again when BN agreed to form a coalition with PH to establish a unity government.

Although the initial formation of this coalition was not agreed upon by some leaders and members of both coalitions, it did not hinder the efforts of the government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to create national stability.

Nearly two years into the PH-BN cooperation, various commitments have been made by both coalitions, including collaborating in various election series such as state elections and by-elections by selecting a single candidate representing the unity government.

However, the latest statement by BN Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir during a press conference and pre-launch of BN's 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) last Saturday seemed to indicate a new resolution within the coalition.

According to Zambry, BN is ready to discuss the cooperation model with PH in preparation for GE16 as soon as possible.

He added that the discussion would involve BN's consideration of whether to move forward independently or continue the existing cooperation.

This resolution would be decided in a meeting of BN's top leadership.

During the same press conference, he also announced that the coalition would make early preparations for GE16, which was expected to take place in about three years.

He stated that the framework of several previous by-election series would also serve as a guide for BN in facing the upcoming GE.

Zambry's latest statement has elicited various reactions, including support for BN to move forward independently in GE16 for the coalition's political survival.

Based on reactions on social media, the majority of netizens want the coalition to build its own strength rather than relying on cooperation with other parties.

This reaction also clearly shows that grassroots members of the coalition want BN to move forward on its own from now on.

The current question is whether BN can operate independently to govern the country again, considering the developments and support they have received.

What is certain is that moving forward independently will not be easy for BN, but it is not impossible to achieve if the coalition's grassroots strength is strengthened in the remaining three years.

The hope now rests on BN's leadership to determine the coalition's future direction if it wants to remain relevant in the national political arena.

Any resolution made will also affect BN's future survival, especially for the next generation.

*Nurul Huda Hussain is a Sinar Harian journalist.