Malay, Chinese, Indian support shifting to BN-PN alliance, claims UMNO Youth chief

A strategic alliance between Malaysia's Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) is successfully drawing back majority Malay voters and gaining traction with some Chinese and Indian voters, according to UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

Saleh attributed the alliance's significant wins in recent state elections to growing public acceptance, expressing confidence that this momentum will carry through to the next general election. He highlighted that the UMNO-PAS (BN-PN) unity is not just a consolidation of Malay support but also includes Indian and Chinese communities, pointing to victories in constituencies previously held by the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

He suggested that the shift in support, particularly among Malay voters, and the increase in votes from Chinese and Indian communities stem from a feeling of betrayal regarding the unfulfilled reform agenda. "If you don't do what you promised when you were in opposition, the people can change you anytime," Saleh cautioned, emphasizing that elected representatives must continue working and fulfilling promises without deceiving the public.

Regarding the current unity government, Saleh indicated it would continue until the next general election. He deferred the decision on its continuation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stating, "We don't want to break the roof. Hand the mandate back to the people, so that's up to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. If the Prime Minister feels it's appropriate, we will hand it over."