KUCHING, June 7: Barisan Nasional (BN) acting chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today denied meeting Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to persuade the latter to stay on with the BN coalition.
In a press statement rebutting an online news portal which reported such a meeting had taken place, the former deputy prime minister and current UMNO acting president said he did not “plead with PBB not to leave BN”.
According to Malaysian Insight, Abang Johari met Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad first to tell the latter that the Sarawak ruling coalition would be leaving BN. After that, the chief minister was reported by the news portal to have met Zahid, where Zahid “pleaded” with Abang Johari not to leave BN.
In response, Zahid said he had no knowledge with regards to PBB leaving the BN coalition.
“In actual fact, I have not met Abang Johari and plead for PBB not to leave BN as reported.”
“However, I respect and welcome the decision of PBB and other Sarawak BN component parties which intend to build a diplomatic relationship with the Pakatan Harapan Federal Government,” said Zahid.
He said BN would keep an open mind and encourage all state governments under BN to take the necessary steps to build a good working relationship with the PH Federal Government for the benefit of the states and their people.
Zahid hoped that through the press statement, there will be no more unprofessional news reporting. — DayakDaily
