Zambry: Merger of BN parties not as easy as it sounds

(The Star) – Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir says the three Barisan Nasional component parties must look deep into all aspects possible before deciding on a merger.

He said despite the idea being “a forward-thinking move” with the current political developments, several matters should be addressed first.

There have been talks over a possible merger between MCA, Gerakan and SUPP after the general election.

Dr Zambry said SUPP was a Sarawak-based party, and it might not be easy to implement a merger.

“This idea is not new.

“Gerakan acting president Datuk Chang Ko Youn had related the intention a few years ago,” he pointed out.

“However, all three parties must conduct a study into the matter because it is not as easy as it sounds,” he told reporters after taking his 113 adopted children for a Hari Raya shopping spree at Mydin Meru in Jelapang yesterday.

Chang had said on Saturday that official talks over the merger would only begin once these parties had finished with their respective internal elections.

He said that the three Barisan component parties might agree to the merger now, but could change their minds after the party polls.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said MCA’s top leaders would have to convince its grassroots of the benefits of such a merger.

“MCA was founded as a single race-based party.

“If we were to merge, we will have to be a multi-racial party. We do not know yet how the grassroots will embrace this,” he said.

Chor cautioned that nothing had been discussed on the issue as the party was busy preparing for its internal polls.

“Any discussions over the merger would only take place after our party elections.”