Amendments to curtail BN bosses' power
By RK Anand
KUALA LUMPUR: Several controversial amendments to be tabled at next month's Barisan Nasional convention is set to cause ripples in the ruling coalition.
FMT learnt that some BN component party leaders were seeing red over the amendments as it would curtail their powers and render them as mere figureheads.
If approved, a BN source said the amendments would also rob component party leaders of their say on who to field during elections.
According to the source, there would be no allotment of seats to various political parties as practiced in previous general elections.
“The seats could be allocated to independent members to contest,” he added.
The source said a committee would decide on the candidate for a particular parliamentary or state seat.
Since the formation of the Alliance, BN's predecessor, in 1974, it had been the practice for component party leaders to nominate their choice of candidates for a particular seat.
Consensus system to be abolished
Meanwhile, the source said the consensus system in BN, which was practiced since its formation, would be abolished and replaced with majority-based decision.
The source warned that the move would likely meet with stiff resistance from BN component parties.
“This means that if a component party does not agree to the inclusion of another party into BN, it would be meaningless as the decision will be based on a majority vote,” he said.
Currently, political parties intending to become a BN component must have the consensus of all coalition members.
If any one party were to object, the application would be rejected.
The other amendments included the direct admission of individuals, clubs, non-government organisations and political parties into the coalition.
A secretariat would be formed to look after the direct membership, the source said.
The BN convention would be held here on Nov 28.
If approved, a BN source said the amendments would also rob component party leaders of their say on who to field during elections.
According to the source, there would be no allotment of seats to various political parties as practiced in previous general elections.
“The seats could be allocated to independent members to contest,” he added.
The source said a committee would decide on the candidate for a particular parliamentary or state seat.
Since the formation of the Alliance, BN's predecessor, in 1974, it had been the practice for component party leaders to nominate their choice of candidates for a particular seat.
Consensus system to be abolished
Meanwhile, the source said the consensus system in BN, which was practiced since its formation, would be abolished and replaced with majority-based decision.
The source warned that the move would likely meet with stiff resistance from BN component parties.
“This means that if a component party does not agree to the inclusion of another party into BN, it would be meaningless as the decision will be based on a majority vote,” he said.
Currently, political parties intending to become a BN component must have the consensus of all coalition members.
If any one party were to object, the application would be rejected.
The other amendments included the direct admission of individuals, clubs, non-government organisations and political parties into the coalition.
A secretariat would be formed to look after the direct membership, the source said.
The BN convention would be held here on Nov 28.
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